HeatSource Impact Report 2022-23
The HeatSource team has been hard at work over the last year, and we're excited to share the results with you in our latest Impact Report.
The report outlines the progress and achievements of the HeatSource programme at BE-ST over the past 12 months, and identifies the next 12-18 months as crucial for the green heat sector.
Emma Church says:
Over the past 12 months it has been my pleasure to lead on the work of HeatSource at BE-ST, from the early process for creating the brand and launching the website and the programme with a stand and speaking slot at AllEnergy in May 2022.
In this time there have been a number of significant publications that impact the Green Heat Sector in Scotland. Including the launch of the Heat in Building Supply Chain Delivery Plan. More recently the publication of the Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, we were very pleased to note the inclusion of HeatSource in Annex J of the document. Our upcoming industry survey can act to determine sector awareness of and anticipated implications of these publications, which will help advise future HeatSource activities.
The next 12-18 months are crucial in the green heat sector particularly in the heat networks sector. The publication of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies from all 32 local authorities expected in late 2023/early 2024 is a huge step forward towards the deployment of more heat networks in Scotland. These will outline the local and wider approached to achieving decarbonised heat, as well as hotly anticipated Heat Network Zones.
We have been involved in a number of Green Heat related working groups, crucial to remaining knowledgeable about the future policy, regulations, funds and other activity which can both impact and influence operations, investment and on the sector. These include the New Build Heat Sector working groups, Scottish Renewable short life policy working groups on Heat Networks, Scottish Government Heat Networks regulation subgroups on consenting, building assessment reports and key asset. We are also represented in the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan – heat decarbonisation subgroup alongside stakeholders from colleges, training centres, trade associations and other support organisations. This is a platform for us to bring forth some of the supply chain challenges highlighted by our HeatSource audience and be part of key groups seeking improvement and overcoming workforce challenges in the sector.
The global energy crisis and cost of living challenges facing us all have turned the spotlight firmly on energy security, cost and availability. It’s an exciting time to work in this sector and this report outlines the achievements of the programme to date and we look forward to discussing how we can build on this renewed focus on the green heat challenges and opportunities and continue to deliver a valuable service that has meaningful impact for all involved.
This impact report is an opportunity to reflect on the work we have delivered to date, and remind our stakeholders and audience what we are looking to achieve. There are many ways for organisation to be involved with HeatSource and there are reminders on how to do this and it’s benefits throughout the report.I urge you to get in touch as we look to the future of HeatSource and continue to build the momentum of this successful programme.