Action Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow: The Energy Strategy for Cornwall - UK
Type: GoodPractice
Case Study (54 Kb PDF)Summary
Cornwall is a rural peninsula in the south-west region of the UK, which is leading the way on partnership-delivery of energy initiatives. In 2004, Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership (CSEP) published the UK's first sub-regional sustainable energy strategy and action plan. The document, entitled, 'Action Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow - The Energy Strategy for Cornwall', was developed through an open consultation process by an active multi-sector partnership. It was launched on 21st July 2004 by the UK Energy Minister at a capacity event attended by 160 strategic-level delegates. The government-funded strategy has received plaudits from energy experts, European Commissioners and MPs as being a holistic, realistic and effective approach that places energy at the heart of achieving local sustainability.
Results
Since the strategy was launched in July 2004, progress has already been made on many of the actions. For progress updates please refer to the individual Task Group and the Steering Group pages on the CSEP website: www.csep.co.uk
The strategy commits the partnership to doubling Cornwall's current renewable electricity generating capacity to achieve a sub-regional target of at least 93 -108 MW by 2010 (this is derived from the South West region's target of 11-15% by 2010). It also commits the partners to rolling out CSEP's domestic energy efficiency programmes across the whole of Cornwall by 2010.
In November 2004, Cornwall's seven county and district/borough councils jointly won the SW Green Energy Award for Most Proactive Local Authority in recognition of their outstanding partnership working on the Energy Strategy for Cornwall.
As a result of CSEP's work in Cornwall, sustainable energy has now become a standard element of the strategic, policy and practical work of many partner organisations. Partners are now more aware and informed regarding the social, environmental and economic impacts of energy supply and demand. They have learnt from each other and have received training organised by CSEP. Through working in partnership they have also been able to access major grants that would not otherwise have been forthcoming.