Our shared ambitions for reaching Wales' net zero targets
Collaboration and shared learning will be key to helping Wales meet its ambitious net zero targets, it has been agreed.
Representatives from the public sector attended the ‘Journey to a net zero Wales’ event at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The day was organised by Salix in conjunction with Welsh Government and Welsh Government Energy Service.
Energy Conservation Technical Officer Philip Southern from Flintshire County Council was among the guest speakers at the event held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno last week.
He said: “The event was extremely valuable in allowing for knowledge sharing and networking, which will be crucial in instigating collaborative working.
“It also provided useful information on funding that can be accessed in order to complete energy savings projects, which will be key in meeting carbon targets.”
Speakers from across the country shared their vision, challenges, and triumphs as Wales strives to meet ambitious 2030 net-zero targets.
Top of the agenda at Llandudno was a discussion around the Climate Change Strategy and how to achieve a reduction in fuel poverty.
The event was also a chance to celebrate low-carbon initiatives.
Salix Director of Programmes Ian Rodger said: “This event has provided us all with a super opportunity to share our learning and get our teeth stuck into the very real issues facing Wales and how we progress the net zero journey.
“I would like to thank everyone who has arrived here in such good spirits with a real view to learn and share knowledge.
Ian chaired the event on the day and introduced speakers.
Ian added: “This is an exciting time for Wales as it moves fast to reduce carbon emissions and for its future in decarbonisation.”
Speaker Meilir Hughes works as Chief Property and Assets Officer at Isle of Anglesey County Council.
Meilir said: “It was great to spend an engaging and informative afternoon with some like-minded people.
“It was my privilege to be able to share some of the great work delivered by The Isle of Anglesey County Council and our partners with peers from all over North Wales.
“There were some great takeaways for me about opportunities to further reduce our carbon emissions using lessons learnt by others, and I’ll look forward to following up with new contacts.”
The council received £5.4m from the Re:fit scheme aimed at implementing a range of sustainable projects including solar PV as well as a new ventilation system and air-source heat pumps at Amlwch Leisure Centre.
The council also received £1.1m as part of the Welsh Government’s Low Carbon Heat Grant to install water-source heat pumps at its main offices in Llangefni. This new low-carbon heating system will provide 100% of the heating and hot water demand for the whole building.
And Stefan Runge from Welsh Government Energy Services said: “It is fantastic to see how passionate the North Wales public sector is on the journey to Net Zero and it is even better to be part of it.”
Strategic Lead for Welsh Government Energy Service and speaker Rhys Horan said: “It was a fantastic event in Llandudno.
“Great to hear about the successes across North Wales and how the public sector is delivering on net zero with support from Welsh Government Energy Service and funding through the Wales Funding Programme.”
