Agenda item - Sussex Energy Mission

Resolved:

2.1      That the Board agrees that it will assume a strong leadership and convening role, across Greater Brighton, and wider Sussex region, and to coalesce around a focal ambition.

2.2      That the Board agrees that achieving net zero energy status by 2040 will be this overarching aspiration for the region over the next 15 years. Net zero energy status means the total amount of energy used by our community on an annual basis is equal to the amount of zero-carbon energy created within the community.

2.3      That the Board members will use their networks and influence to promote the Sussex Energy work and encourage collaboration.

2.4      That whilst achieving net zero energy status by 2040 will be the flagship ambition the Board agrees that resource permitting, other current and future strands of important work will continue.

2.5      That the Board agrees to set aside £50,000 of initial funding from the 2024/25 budget and also commit at least a further £50,000 in 2025/26.

2.6      That as a first step towards achieving this ambition, four working groups be convened which will draw upon expertise from Board members and wider stakeholders and new partners. The groups will cover the following four themes:

i. Energy Efficiency & Transition

ii. Local Energy Infrastructure

iii. Key Proposition Development, Success Measurement & Funding Strategy

iv. Developing Jobs & Skills

4.1       Catherine Howe (Chief Executive: Adur District & Worthing Borough Councils) introduced the report to the board.

4.2       The chair invited the board to vote on the report.

            Vote

4.3       A vote was taken, and the board agreed the recommendations unanimously.

Resolved:

2.1      That the Board agrees that it will assume a strong leadership and convening role, across Greater Brighton, and wider Sussex region, and to coalesce around a focal ambition.

2.2      That the Board agrees that achieving net zero energy status by 2040 will be this overarching aspiration for the region over the next 15 years. Net zero energy status means the total amount of energy used by our community on an annual basis is equal to the amount of zero-carbon energy created within the community.

2.3      That the Board members will use their networks and influence to promote the Sussex Energy work and encourage collaboration.

2.4      That whilst achieving net zero energy status by 2040 will be the flagship ambition the Board agrees that resource permitting, other current and future strands of important work will continue.

2.5      That the Board agrees to set aside £50,000 of initial funding from the 2024/25 budget and also commit at least a further £50,000 in 2025/26.

2.6      That as a first step towards achieving this ambition, four working groups be convened which will draw upon expertise from Board members and wider stakeholders and new partners. The groups will cover the following four themes:

i)   Energy Efficiency & Transition

ii) Local Energy Infrastructure

iii) Key Proposition Development, Success Measurement & Funding Strategy

iv) Developing Jobs & Skills