Calderdale launches digital twin to identify key 2038 priorities
The West Yorkshire local authority is partnering with climate tech specialist IES to set out net zero plans.
Steps required for the council to reach its zero emissions target of 2038 have been identified through the process, with a focus on the ways in which new policies and initiatives can benefit the local population.
Developing a Local Area Energy Plan [LAEP], a range of changes to infrastructure, local authority-owned buildings and energy generation have also been singled out to help create a comprehensive roadmap for transition across the borough.
Calderdale, which declared a climate emergency in 2019 and met its 2020 target of a 40% cut in carbon emissions, is the first authority in West Yorkshire to develop a LAEP and the only currently using digital twin technology. Key proposals include:
*Retrofitting 75,000 homes at a cost of £300million to unlock £50million in annual savings and cut grid demand by 359GWh
*Replacing fossil fuel heating systems in 100,000 residential and commercial buildings with low carbon alternatives, costing an estimated £1.34billion, saving 250,000 tonnes of CO2e per year
*Solar, battery storage, and other low carbon electricity sources will expand to provide 1600GWh of power per year, with smart grid upgrades also implemented
*Installation of 2,100 public charging points for electric vehicles
It is believed that green-lighting all of these measures will create 3,000 skilled green jobs in the area, including both construction and development stage and ongoing maintenance roles.
‘Calderdale met its 2020 target of reducing carbon emissions by 40 per cent, but the borough has bigger, long-term ambitions when it comes to decarbonisation, as part of our priority for climate action,’ said Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate action and housing. ‘As the first borough in West Yorkshire to use intelligent digital twin technology to inform a LAEP, we’re proud to be setting a positive example for other authorities looking to drive forward their decarbonisation journey. IES provided us with robust data and actionable insights to ensure our plans drive forward our long-term vision.’
‘Our tool not only provides a solid evidence base for decision-making but also enables ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress,’ added IES project lead for the Calderdale LAEP, Nick Purshouse. ‘It’s charted the path to achieve net-zero by 2038, providing both the confidence and detailed understanding that Calderdale needs to take effective action.’
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