Energy and Communications
Will KCC undertake to adding Earth Hour actions be annually marked on KCC program as a platform for energy awareness and action?
7.8 Geo Thermal Energy
That KCC will undertake a feasibility study on 'deep geothermal' as it has many benefits beyond individual buildings in the generation of renewable electricity 24/7/365 independent of weather. The technology exists and there are many plants generating renewable electricity around the world. Proof of concept of alternative energy shared here HEATSTORE
Preliminary investigations for a deep geothermal project in Kildare have proven that the potential exists here in some Kildare locations. In 2011 SEAI and ESB funded one such exploratory borehole site to good results.
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UTES and ATES aquifer thermal energy storage (ates) can be good solutions for individual buildings . That KCC promote and support UTES and ATES solutions as a choice where appropriate and also the roll out of sustainable community led solutions is this has yet to mature.
aquifer thermal energy storage (ates)
OVERVIEW OF ATES – Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) (uteshub.com)
That KCC avail of the umbrella of EU Covenant of Mayors program to apply to get support in developing an investment concept and accelerate the implementation of energy and climate action plans and nature based solution, NBS. Will KCC attract best in class in energy to accelerate new energy use in the Kildare region as users of power to have a welcoming strategy to alternative power businesses as a sustainable resource in the region which can then be scaled up.
7.9 Bio-Energy
That Kildare be a pilot and invest in becoming the international pilot for eco tourism in palludicture and education linked to bog restoration and awareness to peat free options.
An example of positive bog use is shown with the viability of duckweed for example in decarbonisation e.g. How to bury carbon? Let plants do the dirty work. - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (cshl.edu) https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Duckweed_Factsheet.pdf.
Duckweek is prolific and grows on midland bogs
That KCC will request as part of NBS that the measurements and links to reports on Duckweed as being used on bogs as a and partner with experts like Brookhaven National Laboratory and UCC to explore the plant’s potential as raw material for making liquid fuels to replace petroleum. In principle, plant-based fuels would be endlessly renewable and carbon neutral and that KCC will research this as home grown energy for their fleets and the public in time as stated above.
Wool is a waste agricultural material that KCC address sheep biproducts in the bio energy strategy
That dog stools be used to power lights in areas of dog fouling in KCC owned parks From stools to fuels: the street lamp that runs on dog do | Environment | The Guardian
7.10 Strategic Energy Zones
As Saint David is the Saint of Naas and the links between Wales and Kildare are deeply rooted will KCC develop a strategy for closer Energy especially renewable energy links to Wales, and the Welsh government. For Retrofit training and expertise exchanges , that links be developed for energy partnerships to scale energy efficiency, energy conservation and assist in addressing Fuel Poverty e.g. Tackling fuel poverty 2021 to 2035 [HTML] | GOV.WALES
Wales are a natural partner considering the language and proximity to Kildare for multiple reasons especially educational energy insights.
7.11 Micro Renewable Energy
EC P10 Bord Na Mona engineers over 10 years ago offered to install micro hydro in Newbridge for school energy use. Now that the technology has improved that the offer is revisited to avail of renewable energy use in Newbridge with the ESG and CSR remit of state and semi state bodies that KCC openly invite participants to commence micro renewable .
As before Kildare can be a pilot and invest in palludicture to show the viability of duckweed for example in decarbonisation e.g. How to bury carbon? Let plants do the dirty work. - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (cshl.edu)
Uses of duckweed to generate biogas and electricity is efficiently carbon neutral: Not only does duckweed remove carbon dioxide in the ambient atmosphere through photosynthesis, but it also consumes the carbon dioxide returned to the water as part of the closed loop process.
Duckweed compared against current installed green energy systems like solar and wind is 20 to 25 percent cheaper to install and run. “Smith estimates solar at about $3 installed per watt and duckweed at $2.50 per watt, considering operating costs and labor are similar. 13 Energy Security: In 2013, British Petroleum (BP) published an Energy Outlook 2030 report14, in which it predicts the world will require almost double its current energy supply by 2030 to sustain its economic and population growth; there is an increasing gap between GDP and energy consumption. Domestically-produced cost-effective biofuel will be pertinent for the conservation of energy, decline of fossil fuel use, and fulfillment of future energy needs facility “https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Duckweed_Factsheet.pdf.
That KCC measure and link to reports on duckweed used on bogs as a nature based solution and partner with experts like Brookhaven National Laboratory and UCC to explore the plant’s potential as raw material for making liquid fuels to replace petroleum. In principle, plant-based fuels
7.12 Energy Efficiency
EC P11
Will KCC run an awareness campaign for staff and public on Energy conservation and efficiency measures creatively? The lowest hanging fruit are the most cost efficient to apply
As part of the decarbonisation as above will training and job creation be created in
- Education on data waste and e-waste so that young people realise the negative impacts of digital
- Comprehensive focus on e-waste recycling
- Support for local “repair cafes” where people can bring their electronics to get fixed
- The council deciding to buy refurbished and remanufactured digital equipment
Action for the council to install District heating in Newbridge as it is currently having a new cultural quarter planned and the location of the Bord na Móna Head Office and surrounding real-estate can be the driver of energy and waste savings pilots and scale up innovation in the shift to a just recovery. Here is the current form for the plan Newbridge Cultural Quarter by Ozan Balcik - issuu
However, we feel that a similar actionable commitment as HO O42 should be made to interrogate the Property Interest Register and Land Development Agency (LDA) maps, and to work in partnership with the LDA to identify state owned sites in urban centres to provide housing for older people, within walking distance of shops and services and public transport along the lines of McAuley Place, Naas.
That KCC will create a dementia/alzheimer accessible centre for long term use in the area. The percentage of Irish people living with dementia and alzheimers is increasing and there are no permanent premises in the county currently Dementia by Numbers - Dementia Hub Irelandshare “It is estimated that there are over 55,000 people in Ireland living with some form of dementia. In the next 20 years that number is expected to double.” Care is currently in the informal sector and needs financial and a long term strategic approach for care givers and service users.
That KCC will configure and integrate planning for Dementia/Alzheimer friendly environments into their plans, advice and developments to build Dementia/Alzheimer awareness , see here for examplesRTPI | Dementia and Town Planning.
As females live longer than men and are still under paid that KCC identify properties and housingfor older women who will have financial struggles in later life
That housing for those with mental health challenges be earmarked for the CDP to adopt a flexible support system for the those who have mental health challenges
7.12 Energy from waste
Green Generation in Nurney What We Do - Green Generation AD facilities could be rolled out to include SME business KCC and Municipal estates waste also.
EC 041 Circular Economy
In line with EU Taxonomy it is welcomed to see support for the Circular Economy
Wool is classed as a waste produce, and is being burnt on European farms as currently the global wool price has bottomed out. The drive to implement a Just Transition and change farming family practises to become regenerative and create resilience communities post Brexit is being drawn up in Ireland with the new https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/.
That the KCC Waste Action plan for the circular economy in Kildare will include wool and make Kildare a hub of wool innovation and support cottage industry and crafters with wool . Ireland is currently transitioning towards a Just Transition and away from turf and peat burning and sheep wool and sheep dropping may be part of the transition in employment, biomass, and an avenue for craft activities and marketing of a true Naturally driven traditional industry.
Wool use as housing stock insulation and clothing will reduce need to burn fossil fuels and wear clothing derided from plastic, also reducing microplastic waste generation. Wool can be used as peat free compost combined with sheep manure.
That KCC and LEO and MERITS invest in a network aiming at activating Circular Services
Circular Economy, CE strategy in Kildare will focus on tackling climate change and driving urban action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, while increasing the health, wellbeing and economic opportunities of urban citizens.
Awareness raising (conferences to explain circular economy by presenting the most innovative circular solutions) will place KCC as champions of driving eco change and attract appropriate sustainable industry interest and leaders of circularity in building options.
A vision for Kildare to host an expo to build a circular economy platform will accelerate and attract those looking to drive circular solutions to invest and live also in the region.
Think of the benefits COP 21 brought to France and Expo Milan (DescriptionExpo 2015 was a World Expo hosted by Milan, Italy. It opened on May 1 and closed on October 31. Milan hosted an exposition for the second time; the first was the 1906 Milan International.) to Europe. That KCC host a leading event to champion eco ambitions authentically
Will KCC undertake learning expeditions (bringing people on the field to meet with circular economy entrepreneurs and their projects) for their staff and the public? Will KCC consider twinning exchanges with French, Italian agro tourism to commence with to accelerate pace of change in rural led fields in the CDP?
Will KCC support Consultancy in Circular action for climate neutrality (business opportunities, funding, etc.),
Repair, Refurbishment, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Reuse
Waste management & Secondary Raw Materials
Building local infrastructures to meet next steps
KCC as Partners
Developing Connections
Network building builds power and influence
On Campus and school advocacy
See Catalunya Circular was launched on the 9th of May 2018 in Barcelona and it already has around 20 member organizations. Its aim is to become a central point of reference for circular economy (CE) in Catalonia will KCC implement similar?
Besides providing useful knowledge and information on CE, Catalunya Circular offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the work done by Catalan businesses and society by publishing details of their CE initiatives. These initiatives are geolocated on an interactive map and can be selected using a search engine that allows users to look for projects by keyword and/or type of economy will KCC do likewise?
The CE mission will be to strengthen ambitions and activities to achieve a climate-neutral economy faster and in line with degrowth economy thinking.
Can KCC bring business leaders together to undertake awareness raising and share learnings on best practices, advocacy necessary for the change, influence policy, and accelerate the green transition using collective actionFurthermore, they work towards better understanding the necessity to act now on climate change.
Will KCC bridge the gap between different stakeholders, offering them a safe space for open discussion about systemic barriers to reach climate neutrality?
See the example of CIRCLE a transnational cooperation project aimed at promoting circular economy solutions in SMEs in rural areas.
The project comes under the EU's LEADER programme and its objectives are as follows:
- increase knowledge and awareness about circular economy and its potential for enterprises in rural areas
- increase cooperation between local enterprises
- increase international cooperation and create networks, and to enhance existing ways of implementing circular economy.
The project partners have agreed to organise one programme in each country with visits to enterprises, farms and organisations implementing circular economy or innovative environment-friendly solutions.Will KCC partner with these agencies?
Another example is Circul'R an international network of CE start-ups which MERITS could adopt
Its mission is to unlock the circular economy's potential by connecting innovative startups with companies so that they can co-create solutions to accelerate their transition towards the circular economy.
Circul'R Club (bringing together large companies and startups with the objective of co-creating concrete projects in the field of circular economy: waste management, eco-design, new business models, etc.).
The Circular Economy Club of Kildare has been established with LEO Green for Micro clients and mentor, will KCC partner with these live models and collaborate further ?
Planetary boundaries based on the Doughnut Economics model pioneered by Kate Raworth is commended by President Higgins. Doughnut Economics aims to balance the boundaries of a thriving society with those of a thriving planet model will this activity be applied in Kildare with KCC? Locally focused procurement as a fair green community investment strategy part of Green procurement and fairer green economies please see Cornwall Council: Doughnut economics in council decision making | Local Government Association as a practice for local authorities to implement
Outer edge of the doughnut model is lesser maps for the societal and ecological wellbeing benefits
The President of Ireland is an advocate and a supporter of the Doughnut Economic model and Cork Council are considering its use also.
7.12.4
Energy efficiency in building would benefit by building in wool as part of the retrofitting and conservation Political Manifesto 2020 - Irish Green Building Council (igbc.ie) are supporters of non plastic , and hemp insulation . Leitrim intended to be the hemp capital of Ireland will KCC support hemp growing here as part of the greener more efficient building strategy ? Will KCC use nature solution and natural materials in buildings you work with and finance here as part of the CDP?
7.12.5
We commend the increase use of KCC of EV vehicles as Electric vans are 25% cheaper per km than diesels to own and operate, on average, a new study found despite that e-van sales are rising extremely slowly – just 3% marketshare vs 9% for electric cars – due to weak EU targets that don’t require manufacturers to increase supply. Will a baseline measurement of before and after cost benefit be undertaken with a view to encourage others to follow KCC and switch to EV vans for example?
That KCC use the PPN to provide a platform for access to be included in your purchasing and procurement of power and energy reduction products e.g. led light orders by KCC include and facilitate bulk orders from the public to secure better prices in a transparent and economically efficient manner and also EVs to be offered via the PPN network.
7.13
We recommend that Datacentre use be discussed with Digital Waste Audit - Gerry McGovern and a strategy be implemented to raise awareness on decarbonisation of data use in the region and with your staff. Will KCC actively review your data use to shrink digital data carbon creation ?
EC P19 that the Welsh government be partnered with to accelerate development and training in the area
EC070
That the tree removal not take place in nesting season be implemented where possible in the energy structural changes on land?
That KCC with urgency offer fair Retrofit solutions to those in turf burning homes and those living with fuel poverty