Question 1

Why does Northumberland County Council (NCC) currently only use Solar PV technology and not solar thermal, or a mixture of the two?

Accepted Answer

The council has made the decision to not use solar thermal technology. This is because tests of the technology in council properties, both commercial and domestic, highlighted several issues which made us reconsider the use of the technology at this time:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) is a more economic option as the cost of electricity is far higher than that of traditional gas and other heating fuels.
 • Feasibility studies on our own estate determined that solar PV mixed with renewable      heating, such as ground source or air source heat pumps, produces a better financial and carbon return than utilising solar thermal.
 • At one time, we were keen to explore hybrid panels that have both technologies mixed, but the local company set up to manufacture these unfortunately entered administration.

As new technologies emerge on the market, the council must take careful consideration as to the suitability of the product in line with other innovations. Where feasible, technically viable, and in line with procurement regulations, the council will then consider their use.

Question 2

We use/rent a council building and it has inefficient heating systems, when will this be changed? Can we apply for funding to get the work done?

Accepted Answer

Please let the climate change team at the council know which building you are referring to by emailing climate@northumberland.gov.uk. (mailto:climate@northumberland.gov.uk)The team will then be able to acknowledge ownership of the building and consider how best to assist.

If you click here and fill in the form,(https://www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/northumberland/List?search=0f18a4198b244c84a748bf74c870f6ff&cdp=4&bcr=MTIzNw) you will be given free access to the council database of current funding opportunities. You can also set up alerts to receive updates regarding suitable funding opportunities.

Question 3

Although air source heat pumps save CO2, they don’t save money on your energy bill if you have a gas CH (central heating) boiler. Why does the council say that they can save people £1,000 a year in heating bills?

Accepted Answer

The comparison that the council is referring to is between air source heat pumps and electric panel heaters. In this circumstance, a household could save up to £1,000. Currently it is unlikely that an air source heat pump would save money on household bills against a gas-combi boiler, but this could change if the wholesale price of gas, or the fuel duty rates (currently 5% VAT on domestic heating fuel) increase at all.

The Climate Change Action Plan aims to future-proof the region and communities against climate change, and a big part of this is through the decarbonisation of domestic heating.

Question 4

What are the problems, if any, with the instillation of air source and ground source heat pumps to existing properties?

Accepted Answer

The primary issues experienced are if homes are not suitably insulated then the heat pumps either work inefficiently and so cost significantly more to run or are unable to fully heat the property. Due to this, a fabric first policy is often utilised, whereby a property will be retrofitted to be more fuel efficient prior to implementing any decarbonisation of the heating system.

The other major issue with air and ground source heat pumps stems from users understanding. Heat pumps run most comfortably at 40-50 degrees centigrade and are best when left on low heating for long periods of time. This is the opposite to how oil and gas boilers are used, which stop and start shorter heating cycles set at higher temperatures. When this change in heating system use is misunderstood or disregarded, then the home will not reach the same warmth as with the older gas/oil heating systems.

Question 5

I have heard of a new technology that may help the council in reaching its targets, is the council considering its use?

Accepted Answer

There are a great number of emerging technologies and each needs to be considered individually. The council will investigate the product in line with other such innovations and will consider whether it is feasible, technically viable, and in line with procurement regulations.

The council’s main goal is to provide value for money for our communities. Emerging technologies can sometimes be deemed too high a financial risk for Councils to take. For that reason, the Council may have to wait for technologies to become more established and verified before considering their use.

The council is also constrained by supply chain availability. For example, there needs to be skilled and safe contractors available who can deliver installations in the area, or that there are enough products available in the market. The council cannot risk the safety of its communities by facilitating unsafe products or instillations.

Question 6

How do I find out my home’s EPC rating?

Accepted Answer

If there has been an EPC survey done on your property you can access the public data here.(https://epc.opendatacommunities.org/) If you do not hold an EPC certificate for your property, but feel you may be eligible for ourW()armer Homes scheme please see here.(https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Climate-Change/Renewable-energy.aspx)

Question 7

I have cavity wall insulation and it has created a bridge from the outside to the inside causing damp walls. Would removing the cavity insulation and adding external wall insulation be a viable solution, or is it only used for solid walls?

Accepted Answer

This is unlikely to be the most effective solution. We would recommend speaking to suitably qualified trades people to understand where the water ingress is occurring and seek to solve the damp issue first.

Question 8

What renewable energy sources will be used at Morpeth leisure centre? Have renewable or carbon neutral sources been used for the new Swan Centre Berwick?

Accepted Answer

An air source heat pump is providing part of the heat requirements and will be supported by a gas boiler. Alongside this solar PV is being installed.

Question 9

Irrespective of the climate benefit, is it possible to do a cost benefit analysis for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development and economic benefits to the county in terms of tourism and attracting high tech eco-friendly business and talent?

Accepted Answer

Northumberland remains in the top 20% in England for offering EV chargers, the joint highest in the North East and the highest offer for rapid chargers.

There is a need to ensure electric vehicles (EV) are catered for in our county as a destination place. The council recognises the importance of an effective EV infrastructure and has commissioned an additional £0.5m programme to increase chargers at strategic places.

The council has not yet undertaken the wide analysis such an investment will bring but is committed to ensuring the EV infrastructure will remain and increase the attractive offer Northumberland has. The climate change team will map the expected growth in EV purchase to facilitate the council’s EV infrastructure commitment which will then help us attract funding and commercial models. As part of the council’s future local area energy plans delivered by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, we will see if the socio-economic impacts of development can be measured.

Question 10

What is the minimum number of customers required for a viable district heating scheme?

Accepted Answer

The viability of a district heating scheme depends on many different variables, and so it is impossible to give a minimum number of customers that could be applicable to all district heating systems. Even what constitutes as a ‘customer’ is variable; hospitals, leisure centres, schools, shops and private homes/businesses could all be classed as a ‘customer’.

When exploring possible district heat networks, the council first applied for a government grant to produce a ‘high level’ feasibility study. This study looked at many factors including the infrastructure costs, the heat demands, and the heat consumption across several geographic areas. From this study there were areas that were deemed potentially viable.

The next stage is to access more funding to get further detailed studies produced for these areas. This system of high level and detailed level feasibility studies for potential district heat networks is the model that is used for all district heat networks, no matter their size or scope.

Question 11

Would external wall insulation be permitted in conservation areas with stone-built housing?

Accepted Answer

To maintain and protect conservation areas, care needs to be taken during alterations and repairs to ensure they do not detract from the area's appearance. Any external wall insulation would need to be carefully considered and therefore would usually need to be subject to a planning application. There are also other restrictions in some conservation areas such as in respect of painting the outside of a house.

The councils planning service can offer advice to residents in conservation areas, including guidance around the needs for permission, council procedures, what should be submitted with an application, and the matters to be considered in deciding an application.

Question 12

Northumberland has the most suitable wind conditions for onshore wind turbines in England. Will the Council go beyond saying “Onshore wind cannot be ruled out” and be more positive? Repeated surveys show that more than 70% of the public support onshore wind.

Accepted Answer

Northumberland has several large scale, onshore wind turbines and therefore makes a significant positive contribution to wind energy generation. The emerging Local Plan reflects national planning policy and identifies relatively large parts of Northumberland as being suitable for wind turbines with a height of less than 25 metres and 26 to 40 metres in height. 
However, the evidence shows that there are not any areas potentially suitable for larger scale turbines (those over 40 metres in height). There may however be scope for future repowering of existing turbines of this scale.

An important function of planning is to balance up the objective to maximise renewable and low carbon energy with other considerations such as the need to protect Northumberland’s environment, communities and businesses from any adverse impacts associated with development.

Question 13

Is the council giving away more free trees?

Accepted Answer

The Free Tree scheme runs annually. The 2022/23 scheme is now over. The 2023/24 scheme will open for applications in summer 2023 to offer another 15,000 saplings on offer to residents, schools and community groups. Be the first to know when the scheme goes live by subscribing to our monthly climate change newsletter.

Question 14

How can I become involved as a Community Climate Champion?

Accepted Answer

If you are part of a community group that is focused on climate change or environmental action, then you are a Climate Champion. Please email us at climate@northumberland.gov.uk (mailto:climate@northumberland.gov.uk)to let us know about your group, we can then add you to our Climate Champion’s mailing list, which keeps you updated with opportunities and funding specific to your community group.

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