We promote the use of renewable technology by offering
advice and information
Contact Us
If you require further information please contact
the Sustainable Development Officer
Tel No: 01638 719232
Email: enviroprotection@forest-heath.gov.uk
Post: Environmental Services, District Offices, College Heath Road,
Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7EY
Information About Renewable
Energy
The main renewable energy options available to householders
are;
Photovoltaic solar –
panels that generate electricity from the sun
Solar water heating – panels that heat water using thermal
properties of the sun
Wind turbines – generate electricity using the wind to turn
turbines
Ground source heat pumps – heat stored underground is used to pump
heated or cooled air
If you are interested in installing renewable energy in your home
it is always advisable to consider your energy needs, which can
help you decide on what is likely to be the best options. When
thinking about your needs it is useful to think about how you could
reduce your energy demands through energy efficiency and
savings.
Even better think about the energy needs of your community and
discover if a community renewable energy scheme would be welcomed.
At this level renewable technology is often at its most cost
effective.
Consider installing solar panels or other renewable energy
technology for which grants are available. Fitting a solar hot
water system can provide up to 60% of your hot water needs. For
information on local, council-supported schemes, contact the
Climate Change and Energy Helpline at Suffolk Energy Action Link on
0800 02 88 938.
Green Tariffs
You may want to reduce your carbon emissions but do not want to
install small scale technology listed above. What about buying
electricity from renewable sources. Many of the energy suppliers
offer a green tariff, but it is worth checking the product you are
purchasing. Some will ensure a certain percentage comes from
renewable sources, whilst others will invest in new renewable
projects. Be confident you are purchasing the product you
want.
FAQ's
Q: Will I need planning permission?
A: Photovoltaic Solar, Solar Water Heating, Ground Source Heat
Pumps, Micro-Combined Heat and Power, and Bio-mass technologies
will not require planning permission. For other technologies,
please contact our planning department as early as possible to
discuss your options and what you will need to do.
Q: Is renewable
technology subject to a Building Regulations
application?
A: You will not need to make an application if the installer is a
registered competent person. However, we would always advise you to
contact our building control department to discuss if you need to
make an application. For example with solar water heating
installations (with an installer not registered as a competent
person) they include additional or new system controls and
electrical wiring, and placing the solar collector on the roof. The
implications vary due to the size and nature of the collector used.
The cost of the application would be based on the cost of works
(schedule 3).
Q: What is FHDC
policy on renewable energy in new developments?
A:
Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) sets out the Government's
policies for renewable energy, which local planning authorities
should have regard to in the preparation of the Local Development
Framework. They may also be material to decisions on individual
planning applications. A policy is currently being developed
on renewable energy in relation to the Local Development Framework
- Core Strategy and Development Control Policies document.
Consultation on the Core Strategy and Development Control Policies
is expected mid 2008. For further information please contact our
Forward Planning Department or view the ‘Forward Planning’ web
page.
Q: Is there
funding available for renewable technology?
A: The Low Carbon Building Programme provides grants to
individuals, community organisations, housing associations,
schools, the not for profit sector and businesses. Please see the
link for further information about the grants available and the
process. For information on local, council-supported schemes,
contact the Climate Change and Energy Helpline at Suffolk Energy
Action Link on 0800 02 88 938.
Useful
Links
Energy Saving Trust - information and advice on renewable
energy
Suffolk Energy Action Link - information and
advice service on home energy including solar hot
water
Low Carbon Buildings Programme - details of
the government funded grant for renewable energy
Green Tariffs
Various sites on green tariffs;
Green
electricty
Green Energy Centre
National Energy Foundation
Energy
Watch
Please follow the links below to other areas of our
website
Home Energy
Conservation
Climate
Change
Planning
Forward
Planning
Development
Control
Downloads
SEAL Solar
leaflet