NET ZERO EXETER 2030 PLAN
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PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 1 WHAT IS THIS DOCUMENT? NET ZERO EXETER 2030 PLAN
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 2
WHAT IS THIS DOCUMENT?
This Plan presents Exeter's view of how the city The Net Zero Exeter Plan is NOT… The Net Zero Exeter Plan IS...
can achieve its ambition to be net-zero carbon
by 2030. In its creation, we engaged with a • the only carbon reduction plan within Exeter; • an attempt to set out what Exeter will need
diverse range of individuals and organisations we recognise organisations will continue to to put in place in order to be net-zero
from across the city to feed in different values, have their own plans and strategies and this carbon by 2030, based on benchmarking
perspectives and backgrounds. plan should compliment and enable those. and public engagement.
This marks the start of an exciting 10-year journey • perfect; this is our first iteration of the plan, • a document that sets out ways in which each
for our city. The formal launch of the Net Zero curated through engagement across the of us can play our part in achieving the net-
Exeter 2030 Plan which was planned to take city. We expect that it will be reviewed zero ambition, and to enable everyone across
place at the Mobilisation Summit on 26 March and refined based on continuous feedback the city to engage in a meaningful way.
2020, had to be postponed as a result of the and further engagement, especially in light of
COVID-19. However, the city’s determination to be the changes we are all experiencing as a result • built on an understanding that the city
carbon-neutral by 2030 remains undiminished. of the COVID-19 pandemic. can only achieve its net-zero carbon targets if
Success will only be achieved through a genuinely organisations, individuals and institutions take
collective effort to ensure Exeter remains one of • a list of firm commitments or instructions; responsibility and accept they have a role and
the greatest places to live in the UK. this plan sets out actions that Exeter City play their part.
Futures believe can deliver the city’s carbon
Together we highlight ourselves as leaders in ambition, it relies on a collaborative effort from • an attempt to focus the city on a sequence of
the UK and support Innovate UK plan their future organisations and individuals to decide if, what key actions that take us to 2030 and enable
investments into supporting cities in the run up and how they will change their own activities to these actions to be reflected in city and
to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP help achieve the city's shared ambition. organisational plans.
26), due to be held in November 2020 but now
• a barrier; the plan isn’t intended to impose rules • in constant review; this plan will be refreshed
postponed due to COVID-19.
that stifle innovation and other work occurring towards the end of 2020 to reflect on the
in the city. position of the city as a result of the COVID-19
Together we are stronger, and to achieve an
crisis, and then annually as the city begins to
ambition of this scale, collective, practical action
• complete; there will be no such thing as mobilise projects and action.
is what truly matters.
a ‘final version’ as it will be in constant review.
• able to be fully delivered by any one organisation.
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 3
CONTENTS
PART ONE PART TWO PART THREE
DEVELOPING THE PLAN THE NET ZERO EXETER 2030 PLAN NEXT STEPS
Exeter's Vision 7 Introduction to the plan 25 Leading Net Zero Exeter 65
Exeter's Commitment to Climate Action 11 Energy 26 What Exeter City Council can do 66
Net Zero Framework 12 Mobility 33 What Devon County Council can do 69
A Plan Co-Produced with the city 13 Sustainability 39 What Organisations can do 70
Creative Engagement 15 Capability 50 What Individuals can do 72
Reflections from Politicians 20 Timeline 57 Working with the Devon Climate Response Group 73
Reflections from Businesses 21 More information 74
Exeter Youth and Net Zero Exeter 22 Acknowledgements 75
Source Materials 7
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 4
INTRODUCTION
On 23 July 2019, Exeter City Council unanimously The information and responses gathered formed We now have the opportunity to take the
agreed to declare a climate emergency and a collective body of evidence to inform the next learnings from our current challenging situation,
made the commitment to make Exeter a carbon- steps for our city. and isolation, and turn it all into creative, positive,
neutral (or net-zero carbon) city by 2030. practical action - ready for when we return to
This ambitious target is aligned to the vision We had hoped that our activities would culminate some sense of normality.
for the city and has potential to make a vital at the Net Zero Exeter Mobilisation Summit on
contribution to our planet and all its people. 26 March 2020. Unfortunately, the government With the nation in lock-down, we will be
advice regarding COVID-19 meant that this event working over the next few months to develop
Exeter City Futures was asked to work with had to be postponed. ways in which people, whether as individuals,
people and businesses from across the city to or as representatives of businesses, clubs,
curate a shared plan for the delivery of the net- However, Exeter’s determination to be carbon communities or institutions, can continue to play
zero carbon Exeter ambition. neutral by 2030 remains of paramount their part in the city’s ambition to be net-zero.
importance. We have kept to our commitment
This includes setting out the scale of the to deliver this Net Zero Exeter Plan to the city Exeter City Futures will listen to how people view
challenge, the likely actions that will need to be council, and we believe that this document is the plan in light of the current climate and reissue
taken (and by whom), as well as an estimate of now more relevant than ever. this document towards the end of the year to
the amount of investment that will be required to incorporate these changing attitudes.
ensure that Exeter is, and remains, carbon-neutral That said, we must be realistic. Big changes are
by 2030. required to achieve a Net Zero Exeter and these This is all part of our continuing effort to connect
understandably might not be top of the priority people from across Exeter as we pull together to
Exeter City Futures' work began with a list at the moment. achieve shared goals.
programme of public engagement, as well as
focussed activities with businesses, community Whilst a formal endorsement of this Plan by The Exeter City Futures Team
and city leaders. Exeter City Council is expected to be delayed
whilst the council, organisations and individuals
During February and March 2020, we worked deal with the continuing impact of COVID-19,
with a range of partners to deliver events, inviting the crisis is forcing us to reassess our lifestyles,
people from across Exeter to discuss the need change the ways we work, and potentially to shift
for change and share their thoughts on any our values.
challenges, barriers and areas of concern as the
city undertakes this 10-year journey together.
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 5 And people stayed home and read books and listened and rested and exercised and made art and played and learned new ways of being and stopped and listened deeper someone meditated someone prayed someone danced someone met their shadow and people began to think differently and people healed and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways, dangerous, meaningless and heartless, even the earth began to heal and when the danger ended and people found each other grieved for the dead people and they made new choices and dreamed of new visions and created new ways of life and healed the earth completely just as they were healed themselves. ‘And People Stayed Home’ Catherine (Kitty) O’Meara, March 2020
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 6
PART ONE
DEVELOPING THE PLAN
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 7
EXETER’S VISION
Exeter is a smart, intelligent city, never afraid to With the commitment to becoming carbon-
do things differently if it leads to making things neutral by 2030, Exeter has the opportunity The Liveable Exeter Housing
better for everybody. It’s anchored by its great to show leadership within the region. Through Delivery Programme
location, superb education providers, spirit of decisive implementation of policies, innovations
working together, and absolute commitment to and investment, the decisions we make now will This recently released document highlights
embracing fresh ideas and innovation. shape the way we live, and our environmental where the city can attract major investment
impact, for decades to come. and renew its infrastructure for the 21st Century
Exeter drives the agenda for the South West of with the aim of improving people’s lives and
England, enjoying a global reputation in digital, Where possible throughout this plan we have wellbeing. It demonstrates the capacity for
data, medicine, and environmental science. Exeter identified existing (or emerging) policies and urban renewal and densification to also relieve
has also built world-class credentials in culture strategies that will play a role. There are also pressures on the infrastructure and communities
and creativity; the recently awarded UNESCO City some key strategies and programmes being of the surrounding, more rural districts, and
of Literature status is evidence of this. developed in the city and aligning these with protect the setting of Exeter.
the Net Zero Exeter 2030 Plan will be critical to
Exeter is consistently named as one of the best ensuring success, such as: The Greater Exeter Strategic Plan
places to live in the UK and it’s important that
as the city grows we ensure the wellbeing and Greater Exeter has a vision for growth as a
The Exeter Transport Strategy
prosperity of our communities, as well as acting connected city region consisting of thriving
as a regional focus for jobs, leisure, culture and As the highway authority Devon County Council linked communities set within an exceptional
shopping. To continue thriving, Exeter, like any has a statutory responsibility to provide and environmental setting. This clear vision
city, must have a clear plan for how we respond manage the city’s transport infrastructure. In represents a commitment from the partners
to changes in technology, social expectations consultation with the city council, Devon County of the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP)
and the environment. Council develops strategies for transport to strengthen neighbourhoods, create new
infrastructure to ensure that future development communities; invest in sustainable transport,
Over time, Exeter's clear urban structure, based is provided for and managed in a way that and deliver the infrastructure needed to attract
on historic patterns of movement and natural takes full account of social, economic and investment and improve quality of life. The target
features, has been put under huge pressure by environmental needs. date for implementation of the GESP is 2023.
the growing demands of the city. Green spaces Exeter’s local plan will follow and building will
and linear routes along valleys and watercourses take place over 20 years.
do not always connect, so may not provide a safe
and healthy way of moving around the city.
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 8
EXETER’S TRANSPORT STRATEGY
Exeter Transport Strategy (2020 – 2030) • Greater Places for People will see increases ensure, where possible, a collective view is formed
in the number of trips being completed on on transport matters affecting its area.
The draft Exeter Transport Strategy set out foot or by bike, aiming to deliver the Exeter The group is an advisory body and its view is
ambitious aspirations, including for 50% active City Council’s aspiration of making Exeter the intended to be taken into account by its member
travel and a new zero-emission transport most active city in the country. This will be authorities when they take decisions using their
subscription service. This provides a positive done through enhancing pedestrian / cycling own statutory powers.
start as transport begins the shift towards networks to connect residential areas to
achieving net-zero. Central to this strategy will be economic hubs around the city, reallocating Carbon Impact Assessment
to address constraints on sustainable transport road space for walking and cycling and
networks, providing the basis of a connected city creating more attractive public spaces. The expected annual carbon impacts from
region and deliver interventions that contribute potential interventions have been calculated
to improved quality of life, utilising technological • Greater Innovation will see the Exeter City for the forecast year 2031. Findings show that
opportunities to integrate information and Council and Devon County Council looking reducing travel, reducing vehicular capacity,
engage with people about the travel choices to utilise new and innovative technologies sharing and electrifying of car travel offer the
they make. to make travel easier and help the city’s biggest carbon savings per pound spent.
transport networks operate more flexibly and Furthermore, combining these actions with walking
The proposals aim to provide an ambitious, but efficiently. A key piece of innovation will be the and cycling measures offer even greater carbon
realistic, transport strategy that is embodied in development of a new zero-emission transport saving potential.
the following three key themes: subscription service. This platform will join up
an electric vehicle car club, the UK’s largest on Examples of the highest priority carbon reducing
• Greater Connectivity will see enhancements street electric cycle hire network and proposed measures include:
made to key transport corridors in the travel low-carbon bus services.
to work area in order to support productivity • Electric car club vehicles
growth. It proposes providing a consistent Transport Steering Group • Sustainable travel enhancements achieved by
standard of frequency of both rail and inter-
vehicle capacity reduction
urban bus routes and strategic cycle trails The Transport Steering Group comprises
between key settlements. To capture those members and officers from Devon County • Targeted travel planning at new interventions
living in rural areas around Exeter with limited Council and Exeter City Council. It was assembled • Linking public transport enhancements with
sustainable travel choices, there will be a Park to improve communication between the two improved electric vehicle/bike facilities
and Ride on all key corridors into the city. authorities and the co-ordination of activities to
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 9
FUTURE PLACEMAKING IN EXETER
The Liveable Exeter Programme It is hoped that this will position Exeter as a global
exemplar of sustainable and inclusive growth
The Liveable Exeter programme provides an and ensure that we meet today’s challenges The Future Places Toolkit:
opportunity to renew the structure of the city so with innovative, bespoke and dynamic solutions
that it can accommodate the sort of change and to deliver a future Exeter that everyone can be 12 Ingredients for
attract the investment it needs for its communities proud of and benefit from.
Future Placemaking
to prosper in the future.
The toolkit identifies five multifaceted drivers that • Prioritise Healthy Travel
The programme is focused on delivering a are unique to Exeter and offer principles to shape
series of new sustainable neighbourhoods the future of the city. It provisionally identifies • Less Cars - More Trees
and communities within Exeter – building on 25 future city districts within the city and has
Garden City principles. These will be mixed-use developed 12 ingredients for Future • Future Building Interfaces
communities which, together, will deliver up to Placemaking in Exeter.
12,000 new homes with spaces for people to live, • Physically Connected
work, play and for businesses to grow Using this information, it will then be possible
to identify the dominant motivations for change • Park and Move
and prosper.
within a given neighbourhood and apply the
• Less Parking - More People
The Future Places Toolkit relevant ingredients for Future Placemaking. This
will ensure that future developments respond to • Future Building Typologies
To support the delivery of these future their setting and the existing character of their
communities The Future Places Toolkit has been location. In creating sustainable and inclusive • Digitally Responsive
developed to establish principles to guide the new communities, it will also yield developments
development of these future neighbourhoods. capable of supporting the city in delivering on its • Reclaim Roads
ambition for the future.
• Diversify Uses
These principles will help realise Exeter’s
ambitions in terms of delivering clean and These placemaking ingredients align strongly
• City Landmarking
sustainable growth, and also ensure that to the ambition to be a net-zero carbon city
development is delivered that responds to the and the linkages are identified throughout this • Distinct Identities
character of the city and its setting. plan document.
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 10
FUTURE PLACEMAKING IN EXETER
THE FUTURE PLACES TOOLKIT: 12 INGREDIENTS FOR FUTURE PLACEMAKING
Prioritise Healthy Travel Park and Move Reclaim Roads
Healthy travel infrastructure is in the New transport hubs enable car free A huge amount of ‘highway real estate’ is
foreground with essential vehicular access neighbourhoods. They provide transitions reclaimed and re-purposed as a result of
becoming peripheral. Dedicated routes for from inward car travel to sustainable the move to car free neighbourhoods. This
pedestrians and bikes are provided and take alternative transport within the city. The ‘park space is used to create new public spaces,
the place of arterial routes in and out of the and move’ concept facilitates the transition accommodate alternative means of transport
city previously dominated by cars. from car, bus, train or tram to healthy travel. and introduce new buildings and uses.
Development exploits the opportunities
provided by a car free future.
Less Cars - More Trees Less Parking - More People Diversify Uses
Tree planting exploits the space previously Increased density of housing provides the Integrating a mix of uses focussed around
dominated by cars providing over 3,000 trees support for more locally accessible facilities. local centres creates diversity and activity -
throughout the city on major routes. Increased The removal of large areas of parking and moving away from single use zoning. Large
biodiversity, carbon sequestration and improved road infrastructure allows for buildings to be single use areas are obsolete and a mix of
air quality through the introduction of extensive placed closer together, better framing public facilities, amenities and building types are
flora and fauna define the city’s identity. spaces. The critical mass to support local integrated to compliment and support the
centres is created by infill developments and historic provision.
an increase in building heights.
Future Building Interfaces Future Building Typologies City Landmarking
?
The shift to a new public realm of green The Future Drivers introduce the potential for Visual connections and landmarks are key
corridors from car dominated roads creates new building typologies that are imaginatively characteristics of Exeter: views from the city
new interfaces between buildings and their designed taking maximum benefit of the centre to the landscape around and from the
surroundings. Buildings are designed to opportunities their new context creates: outlying neighbourhoods to the Cathedral,
take advantage of these opportunities with double fronted housing on reclaimed roads; river and other notable landmarks. These
active frontages and careful consideration to riverside housing turning back to the river; or visual queues help with way finding and as
thresholds with public space. mixed use development above and between points of orientation.
existing single use buildings.
Physically Connected Digitally Responsive Distinct Identities
Connections and permeability are maximised Development takes maximum benefit of the Exeter is a city made up of historic urban
with barriers broken down to create larger latest digital technology to create places villages. Within each future district,
walkable areas and accessible links to and buildings that are more responsively development reinforces historic defining
local centres. These connections are maintained, managed and resourced. High characteristics to create distinct identities. The
continuous between districts as well as out speed data connections help to augment reinforcement of existing identity compliments
to rural settlements and surroundings whilst existing links and sustainably draw on skills place branding to strengthen the character of
prioritising healthy travel. and resources throughout the city and from the city.
the rural surroundings.
Hilton Barnfield Architects with David HawesPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 11 EXETER’S COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE ACTION Exeter has been playing a role in rising to the critical climate change challenge for some time and the city has a world-class reputation in climate and environmental research. Over the past decade Exeter City Council has pioneered Passivhaus standards in the UK, deployed renewable generation across their public sites and delivered large-scale district heating networks. Exeter City Council has already committed to becoming a carbon-neutral council by 2022 as well as taking steps to consider staff travel and working patterns. Much of the city council’s fleet of vehicles has been replaced by electric vehicles. Switching to electric pool cars for staff out and about on official duty, has provided a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 2010 figures. Replacement of the council’s ageing diesel-powered vans has cut carbon emissions of the entire transport fleet by 35%. The council’s own development company Exeter City Living is also building Exeter’s first city centre Passivhaus homes. In 2017 Exeter was selected as one of the Sport England Local Delivery Pilots and launched a programme to make Exeter the most active city in the UK, contributing towards carbon reduction as well as improving health and wellbeing. Exeter City Council was a founding member of Exeter City Futures Community Interest Company; bringing together some of the largest employers in the city - Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, Exeter College, the University of Exeter, Oxygen House Group and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust Foundation - alongside a wide range of business and community partners to work towards a carbon-neutral Exeter that remains a great place to live.
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 12
NET ZERO FRAMEWORK
Exeter City Futures has already taken
steps to engage with the residents and ENERGY
organisations of Exeter to create the
supporting environment and governance
for delivering the commitment to be
carbon-neutral by 2030. Reduced Energy Access to Affordable
Consumption Renewable Energy Healthy Homes
Our mission is to bring Exeter’s
businesses, individuals, communities
and leaders together and provide
MOBILITY
the coordination and focus needed
to deliver the city’s carbon ambitions.
Since our incorporation in 2016, we
have undertaken extensive engagement Reliable Journeys Reduced
activities to establish 12 Goals that & Resilient Roads Dominance of Cars
reflect the priorities of the residents and
business within Exeter.
These 12 Goals form the basis of the SUSTAINABILITY
approach to the delivery of a Net Zero
Exeter and can be grouped into four
themes that align strongly with the
themes of many other leading cities. Green Spaces and Clean Efficient Resource Regenerative
Local Produce Air Management Design
• ENERGY
• MOBILITY
• SUSTAINABILITY CAPABILITY
• CAPABILITY
Collective An Analytical Locally Controlled
Action Approach FinancePLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 13
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
In September 2019, Exeter City Council asked Exeter City Futures has sought to provide a
Exeter City Futures CIC to work with the city to space for the general public, businesses and Should I join a climate
curate a shared plan for Exeter to be net-zero politicians, to express their opinions and make
carbon by 2030. contributions in response to the requirements set protest? Can I do
out in the Net Zero Exeter Blueprint. Our aims of anything about it?
The commitment to achieve a carbon-neutral city this process have been to:
will require significant change to be made at all Sometimes I choke on
levels; changes that will affect individuals and • Inform organisations and residents about the fumes. Should I change
businesses as well as the political environment. development of the Net Zero Exeter 2030
Plan and publicise it through the Exeter City
my diet? Is using my legs
There is an overwhelming support for climate Futures supporters network and business for transport enough?
action within Exeter, but it’s important to consider networks (e.g. Exeter Chamber of Commerce,
how different people may perceive the idea Federation of Small Businesses Exeter (FSB)),
Resident Voice
of change, be that with positivity, guilt, fear, or as well as with the general public.
helplessness. Many people will have legitimate
concerns about the city’s commitment to the • Gather feedback on the Net Zero Exeter
ambition or about whether we have the capacity Blueprint from various groups to ensure the
and / or capability to deliver the stated outcomes. actions to be presented in the Net Zero Exeter
2030 Plan reflect the view of the city.
To ensure a just transition to a carbon-neutral
future it is important to listen and capture these • Understand where there are concerns and We worry that
concerns so that they can be addressed. barriers - or areas of priority - for politicians,
organisations and individuals. local policy will be
unpopular policy
Political Voice
How to do my bit when it means sacrifices
and maybe giving up things I like?
Resident VoicePLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 14
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
WHO HAS DRIVEN THE PROCESS? • We are Liminal
A collective intelligence community, focussed List of Participatory Events
This process sought to engage as much of the upon addressing complex and collaborative Participatory Events No of Participants
city as we could. Some of our activities were challenges and providing insight, support
Political Barriers Workshops:
curtailed by the appearance of COVID-19, but we and facilitation. Supporting the design and 5 February, Exeter Civic Centre 32
were able to complete most of our activities. delivery of the Net Zero Exeter business Business Barriers Workshops:
and political workshops. 18 February, Exeter Civic Centre 70
The Exeter City Futures team has been the
driving force, trying to involve everyone across • Smith & Jones Public Engagement:
21 Feb | The Beacon Community Centre 25
the city through a series of formal and informal A marketing agency, designing the
22 Feb | Cathedral Green (The Big Green Event) 60
events. The majority of events were face-to-face, communications strategy for the Net Zero
23 Feb | Piazza Terracina, The Quay 25
but after the government placed the UK in lock- Exeter brand and Mobilisation Summit.
3 March | America Hall, Pinhoe 14
down in March 2020 the final workshops with
3 March | Exeter Library, Castle Street 26
community leaders and campaign groups were • Exeter City Council 18
4 March | Wonford Community Centre
held online using open collaboration tools. We Supporting communications and event -
17 March | St Thomas Shopping Centre*
were supported by a number of partners: planning to ensure alignment with other -
17 March | Tesco Extra - Exeter Vale Branch*
city events. *cancelled due to Covid-19*
• Encounters Arts
Online survey for businesses 22
A Totnes based company of artists, producers, • Bowater Communications (shared via FBS and Chamber of Commerce)
facilitators and change agents who seek to Leading the event management for the Net Online Blueprint Feedback Survey 6
create the conditions for a creative, caring, Zero Exeter Mobilisation Summit. Online Community Leader Workshop: Mobility 2
connected world in which all can learn to Online Community Leader Workshop: Energy 2
flourish, living together within the Earth’s • OggaDoon PR Agency Online Community Leader Workshop: Sustainability 2
ecological limits. Leading the Net Zero Exeter Online Community Leader Workshop: Capability 0
Exeter City Futures retained PR agency,
creative engagement activities with the TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 302
supporting national promotion of Exeter’s
general public.
carbon-neutral ambition. Further direct feedback was received via the Exeter City
Futures email inbox, and through direct contact with the
Exeter City Futures Managing Director by telephone.PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 15 A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT During February and March 2020, Encounters Arts led creative engagement sessions, enabling people across Exeter to explore the vision for a carbon-neutral Exeter, the need for change and to share their thoughts on everyday challenges, barriers and areas of concern. The purpose of the engagement was to inform people of the Net Zero Exeter commitment and find out where there is energy for change. Overarching concerns from participants on the general subject of the climate emergency included concerns around whether continued growth would lead to rising emissions, as well as whether it was possible to change attitudes. There was concern about the lack of collaboration across local and central Government to deal with the emergency. The desire for collective action and local ownership was clear. This section summarises some of the common themes arising. The full report on the engagement can be downloaded from the Exeter City Futures website.
PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 16
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
COMMON THEMES:
ENERGY
IN ORDER THAT WE • Changing attitudes to reduce consumption
CAN ALL LEARN TO • Renewable energy leading to lower energy costs
FLOURISH, LIVING • Improving existing homes rather than building new
TOGETHER WITHIN • Affordable homes for local people, especially young people
THE EARTH’S
ECOLOGICAL LIMITS: MOBILITY
• Consistent public transport service across Exeter
WHICH ASPECTS • Reduce cars to reduce air pollution and increase safety and wellbeing
OF THESE GOALS • Reclaim the streets for green space and people
WOULD YOU MOST
LIKE TO SEE? SUSTAINABILITY
• Green spaces for people’s health (mental and physical)
• Trees and green spaces for carbon storage
• Local produce: lower food miles, healthier, seasonal, local jobs
• Reduce air pollution, particularly near schools
CAPABILITY
• Create communities of action: sustainable, empowering, effective
• Work with people, government and business
• Understand the bigger picture yet work locally to take effective actionPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 17
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
COMMON THEMES:
ENERGY
IS THERE ANYTHING • Concerns around use of precious resources to build renewable infrastructure
ABOUT THE VISION • Issues of building more as opposed to renovating existing housing stock
TO MAKE EXETER • Concerns over intensive student housing and need for mixed communities
CARBON NEUTRAL
BY 2030 THAT MOBILITY
CONCERNS YOU? • Cost of public transport
• Unreliable public transport All my children cycle and I
• Rural access to public transport am so worried about them
• Safety concerns around cycling when they go out. My
eldest has had so many
SUSTAINABILITY near misses even when
• Trees being cut down rather than tree cover increased
he is on the cycle path
• Ability of supermarkets to stock local produce
because cars won’t move
• Carbon emissions and materials used in
manufacturing and infrastructure of electric cars over or pull out without
• Need to reduce consumption, not just recycle checking properly
CAPABILITY Resident Voice
• Equality and taking all views into account
• Concerns around use of technology and ownership of data
• Affordability and who has financial controlPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 18
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
COMMON THEMES:
ENERGY
WHEN IT COMES TO • Cost of insulating existing homes and retrofitting renewable technologies
EVERYONE TAKING • Lack of support for people on low incomes
ACTION TOWARDS • Viability / permissions of renewable technologies for existing homes
THESE GOALS, WHAT • High cost of housing
BARRIERS AND • Developments without amenity, leading to need for private cars
CHALLENGES CAN
YOU SEE FOR YOU, MOBILITY
YOUR FAMILY AND • Cost of public transport
YOUR COMMUNITY? • Unreliable public transport
• Safety concerns around cycling
• Cars are still most convenient
SUSTAINABILITY
• Lack of community owned public spaces
• Unsafe roads and unaffordable public transport
• Lack of information, skills and opportunity to reduce consumption and recycle
CAPABILITY
• Difficulties in engaging everyone in common goals and changing attitudes.
• Lack of information and clear steps for individuals and business to take
• Ownership and democracy: access to initiatives and decision making
• Lower income households being left outPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 19
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
COMMON THEMES:
ENERGY
CAN YOU THINK • Information, policy and enforcement Comprehensive
• Changing attitudes to reduce consumption
OF WAYS IN WHICH • Locally-owned energy initiatives
policy on energy
THE BARRIERS AND • Enabling homes to install renewables and better
CHALLENGES COULD • Affordable homes for young people information
BE OVERCOME? MOBILITY for households
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES • Nationalising public transport
Resident Voice
CAN YOU SEE • Integrated transport schemes
FOR YOU, YOUR • Incentivising walking
• More and safe cycling routes
FAMILY AND YOUR • Car share schemes
COMMUNITY? • Reclaiming the streets for people and green spaces
SUSTAINABILITY Green corridors across
• Increase tree cover the city so people can
• Land for community growing schemes
• Support local food growers and traders
walk and cycle with
• Reduce plastic, especially single-use their family and feel
• Increase recycling, reuse and refills safe away from cars
• Change attitudes to reduce consumption
CAPABILITY Resident Voice
• Connect communities, business and local authorities
• Provide resources for communities to take action
• Education, skills sharing, meetings and creative activities
• Information hubs
• Citizen-owned companies and cooperativesPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 20
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
REFLECTIONS FROM POLITICIANS Being honest with ourselves Lack of knowledge
Although the Full Council agrees that net-zero is the Knowledge and technical understanding was
On the 5 February 2020, city and county right thing to do, there was a concern that there isn’t raised as a barrier across all themes. There was a
councillors came together to consider their enough appreciation of the scale of the challenge. concern that without good / trusted advice the city
response to the Net Zero Exeter Blueprint (and its residents) could be mis-sold technologies
and start to consider where the challenges lie or systems that don’t deliver the desired impact.
Lack of policy control
from a political and policy perspective. Here It was also considered important to establish
we summarise the key barriers raised. The full Exeter doesn’t have control over the transport
ways of measuring progress and mechanisms to
summary can be downloaded from the Exeter strategy and although they can seek to influence,
properly value things like green space.
City Futures website. this was highlighted as a potential barrier. Exeter
also has limited ability to control development in
the city and the City Council struggles to enforce
Finance
Communicating messages
higher than national standards with appeals often There was a recurring barrier raised across all
There is concern amongst councillors about how overturned by government. themes - how will it all be paid for?
they will be able to explain difficult messages
to constituents e.g. about removing parking, Working together
reallocating road space for walking and cycling
or asking them to make changes to reduce In order to facilitate a shift towards carbon-
energy demand. For politicians who rely on neutrality it will be important to find ways to Minds are not yet
public support and who are duty bound to influence people to make change, possibly
represent the interests of their wards, this will be offering incentives. It is unclear at this stage what thinking big and
hard to overcome. these might need to be or how they could be bold and ambitious
delivered. What was clear was that there was a
need for increased collaboration between City enough. Some
Reducing inequality
and County Councils and also with businesses councillors appear to
Environmental problems tend to affect the and residents.
vulnerable and poorest hardest. Exeter has think we are doing
pockets of severe deprivation and councillors quite well actually
were keen to ensure that those who are most
vulnerable or experiencing exclusion or poverty This needs bold leadership
are prioritised, and able to access / benefit from Political Voice
from our leaders
the carbon reduction measures.
Political VoicePLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 21
A PLAN CO-PRODUCED WITH THE CITY
REFLECTIONS FROM BUSINESSES lack of local / national regulation meant that the of business services. A need for reliable public
“playing field wasn’t level” and a concern that transport to move staff in from outside the city
There is a large business community within investing when others didn’t need to would put was raised as critically important to support a shift
Exeter, with the majority of organisations businesses at a commercial disadvantage. away from the car.
having fewer than 250 employees. We sought
to engage the business voice through the Employee benefits Lack of collaboration:
Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Many organisations offer car allowances or Across city organisations there is little currently in
Small Businesses who shared a survey with their on-site parking as part of staff benefit packages the way of joined-up approaches to procurement
Members to capture a range of perspectives. with these seen as important to attract the best or investment. Businesses were keen to consider
talent. Whilst most businesses articulated the methods to support the sharing of learnings
A selection of businesses of different sizes and benefits of new incentives that favoured walking particularly relating to trials of sustainable
from different sectors were invited to attend a and cycling, there was a concern that if they approaches (e.g. waste management, reuse /
workshop on 18 February 2020. The enthusiasm removed car allowances or parking they may no sharing). A new approach to collaboration
for the commitment to become a net-zero city longer be seen as having a competitive offer. could result in efficiency improvements and
was clear, with us needing to spill over into a cost savings as well as helping to future-proof
second room because of the numbers that came. local businesses.
Lack of clarity on policy
Many of the businesses who attended wanted to
discuss the mobility theme, with access for staff Businesses struggle to make decisions or
and customers being seen as a key priority for investment without clear and consistent legislation.
businesses. Below we summarise some of the Short-term politics and changing environments
key issues raised, the full transcript of barriers make companies reluctant to invest in change. Policy makes things
and comments captured can be downloaded Businesses raised lack of information and policy happen - everything else
from the Exeter City Futures website. guidance (specifically around carbon reduction)
as a barrier.
is optional. Sustainability
Competitive advantage should be embraced
Lack of viable alternative to the private car and embedded at every
Unsurprisingly, the need to retain competitive
advantage was a key barrier raised. There was a This was a particular challenge for organisations level. Having consistency
lack of understanding about how to articulate the who have staff commuting from rural areas or
benefits to the business of change which is often working variable hours and late shifts. If staff across sectors
perceived as too difficult and too expensive. are struggling to get into work, this affects both
A specific element of this was the feeling that a recruitment and staff retention, as well as delivery Business VoicePLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 22
EXETER YOUTH AND NET ZERO EXETER
As the city begins to work towards the delivery of In 2019, young people across the UK voted to
this plan, we believe that it is important to ensure prioritise climate change as the UK campaign
that we take into account the perspectives of issue, naming the campaign Protect our Future.
young people.
Exeter’s young people are actively involved in local
Young people are the future of Exeter, and all democracy and calling for action on climate change.
cities. They have an increasingly strong social Devon currently has four recently elected members
and environmental awareness, which has the of Youth Parliament (MYPs), one per region.
power to transform our communities. Many of the
policies and plans that are being proposed in this Alongside climate change there are a range of
document will affect young people, now or in the other issues that are of great importance to local
future. They should, therefore, be given a chance young people, depending on where in Devon they
to take an active part in decision-making at local, live. For Exeter itself, the most important issues
national and global levels. after the environment are homelessness; improved
public transport; mental health and wellbeing; as
The UK Youth Parliament has over 364 well as concerns over drugs and alcohol.
representatives and is made up of democratically
elected members aged between 11-18. In the Fridays for Future Exeter has developed a proposal
past two years, over one million young people for a Green New Deal for Devon to address the
have voted in the UK Youth Parliament elections system of unrestrained economic growth that
to select members of Youth Parliament (MYPs). has not produced equally-distributed wealth,
These MYPs have the opportunity to run resilient communities, or a stable ecological
campaigns, and get involved in local and national climate. This is part of a growing national and
decision-making, representing their peers on European movement1 that sets out principles to
issues that matter to them. guide the response to the climate crisis in a way
that prioritises social justice, delivers well-paid,
A key aspect of Youth Parliament is the national meaningful jobs and a habitable future.
youth ballot, Make Your Mark, which gives the
opportunity for all young people aged 11-18 to In 2020, Exeter City Futures will seek to expand
vote on their top concerns and fight for change. the range of youth organisations and young people
The results of this ballot then inform the UKYP involved with the Net Zero Exeter 2030 Plan and its
campaign activity of the following year. subsequent iterations to ensure that the plan, and
how it is delivered, reflects their priorities and views.
1
www.greennewdealuk.org
https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_enPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 23
EXETER YOUTH AND NET ZERO EXETER
Georgia Howell, newly elected Member With this conspicuous lack of communication
of Youth Parliament for Exeter, shares between the activists and the decision makers,
her view on the development of the Net we are left in the dark, feeling disheartened
and helpless.
Zero Exeter 2030 Plan.
It’s evident that the people, both young and
Last year, young people across the country
old, fighting for climate justice are fully aware
voted in an annual ballot, ‘Make Your Mark’,
of the causes and consequences of climate
to decide which issues were most important
change. However, many members of our society
to them. The climate crisis was voted, by a
remain uninformed regarding the climate crisis
significant amount, the most important issue,
or believe that it’s someone else’s issue - that
showing the care, and yet unfortunately the fear,
someone else will ‘sort it out’, which is not
that many young people are feeling about the
the case. This must be a team effort. With the
condition of our planet.
publication of the Net Zero Exeter 2030 Plan,
we need to spread the word. We need to show
The younger generations of Exeter have been
that we, in Exeter, are passionate about this
fighting relentlessly against the climate crisis, by By expanding the bus routes and decreasing
world issue, and we need to educate the whole
speaking out against issues and striking with the (or eliminating) fares for students and the
city about the crisis in order for us to unify and
Fridays for Future movement. These strikes have elderly, we may see an increase in usage of
make long-lasting change for the better.
given us a sense of hope; the feeling of power, such transport systems, leading to an overall
unity and purpose. decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.
Young people, as well as being regularly
informed about successes and progress by
However, we aren’t being informed about the The young people have spoken, they are
decision makers, would like to see real changes
decisions being made, which causes concern speaking and will continue to speak out until we
in our day-to-day lives. A relatable example of
and fear among young people. We are scared reach our goal - a greener future for the world,
such a change would be improvements in our
for our futures, for your futures. beginning with our home in Exeter.
public transport, which is currently inaccessible
to many, due to high costs and restricted routes.
Georgia Howell
23PART TWO THE NET ZERO EXETER 2030 PLAN
THEMES 25
THE NET ZERO EXETER 2030 PLAN
The Plan for a Net Zero Exeter aligns to the Going forward, a more comprehensive
framework established by Exeter City Futures' assessment of the carbon cost will need to be THEME 1
four themes and 12 Goals. The goals correspond undertaken for all measures proposed in Exeter P26
to the major issues that the plan is intended to . ENERGY
address in a collaborative way. Each of these Please note that the 12 Goals are numbered for
areas has a number of specific actions and tracing actions, not for priority. We have also
monitoring indicators that will enable us to assess highlighted where existing plans and policies
the plan’s progress. exist in related areas, accepting that these may
not yet be aligned to the actions in this plan.
THEME 2
Some of the required actions are expected to P33
deliver a direct impact on carbon emissions Linkage to the placemaking ingredients identified MOBILITY
within the city. These are clearly presented within within the Liveable Exeter Housing Delivery
each theme section. Programme is also made to show how the vision
for the city aligns to net-zero carbon ambition.
Each of the 12 Goals is presented with relevant
direct and enabling actions, as well as some The data and assumptions can be viewed
specific indicators that we have already identified within our Net Zero Exeter 2030 Plan THEME 3
P39
to demonstrate that we are meeting the 12 Goals. Spreadsheet which can be downloaded from
SUSTAINABILITY
the Exeter City Futures website.
We have sought to find examples of where
similar actions have been identified across the
UK and globally and have used best available
open source data and a range of assumptions
to estimate the potential carbon reduction and THEME 4
required investment. P50
CAPABILITYENERGY GOALS 26
ENERGY
Energy is essential for our city. It provides heat Meeting Exeter’s goals for ‘Reduced Energy
for our homes, powers our transport and keeps Consumption’, ‘Access to Renewable Energy’
our healthcare system running. and ‘Affordable Healthy Homes’ will require Reduced Energy
access to new renewable energy generation Consumption
In a world where natural resources are finite, technologies, increased public and private
establishing an affordable, locally-generated investment, a strong and engaged community
green energy supply is vital to maintain our who want to make change, and a focus on
quality of life and to improve Exeter’s energy both regulatory frameworks and innovative
security and resilience. business models that can transform our local
energy systems.
Rising energy prices, energy inefficient housing Access to
and low incomes have resulted in high levels of We will need to identify ways to improve the
fuel poverty across the UK. efficiency of new and existing homes while
Renewable Energy
ensuring that we don’t make them less affordable.
The health effects of living in a cold, poorly-
ventilated home are well-established, ranging
from cardiovascular and respiratory problems
to depression. There is also evidence of wider
social impacts1, such as social isolation, with
some people having to make choices between Affordable
heating their home or buying the food they need. Healthy Homes
31.8% OF BUSINESSES
WHO RESPONDED TO OUR
SURVEY STATED THAT THEY
WOULD LIKE SUPPORT TO
IMPLEMENT PROGRAMMES
Alignment to Ingredients for OF ENERGY REDUCTION
Future Placemaking [see page 10]
• Future Building Interfaces
• Future Building Typologies
1
www.gmjournal.co.uk/fuel-poverty-significant-cause-of-preventable-ill-healthPLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 27
PRIORITY ACTIONS
Encourage all organisations Refine local planning policy Ensure that 100% of Conduct multi-authority
in Exeter (including schools) so that it requires the electricity consumed strategic planning to exploit
to commit to energy highest energy efficiency by the city is generated the maximum potential
reduction measures, standards (e.g. passive) from clean sources. for renewable generation
including demand in all new domestic, (solar, wind, geothermal).
reduction, upgrade industrial, commercial
of building insulation and public buildings.
and heating.
CARBON SAVING CARBON SAVING CARBON SAVING CARBON SAVING
TONNES PER YEAR TONNES PER YEAR TONNES PER YEAR TONNES PER YEAR
100,000+ 100,000+ 100,000+ 100,000+
139,982
53,500
10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
6,938
1,000 1,200 1,000 1,000 1,000
500 500 500 500
100 100 100 100
INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE
0 1 > £100m 1 £0 0 > £50m 0.5PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 28
PRIORITY ACTIONS
Transition public-sector Enable retrofit of domestic Retrofit council-owned Enforce private rental
buildings over to locally- homes across the city properties using standards to ensure that
generated renewable to achieve energy programmes such as all properties meet
sources of energy performance ratings of C+. EnergieSprong minimum energy
(e.g. solar, district heat (or equivalent). performance ratings (A-E).
networks).
CARBON SAVING CARBON SAVING CARBON SAVING CARBON SAVING
TONNES PER YEAR TONNES PER YEAR TONNES PER YEAR TONNES PER YEAR
100,000+ 100,000+ 100,000+ 100,000+
10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
1,719 1,000 3,378 1,000 1,000 1,000
ASSUMING 2,979
1,049
APPROX PER HOMES PER YEAR ASSUMING 384
ORGANISATION
ASSUMING
500 500 HOMES PER YEAR 500 500
WIND/SOLAR
GENERATION) 100 100 100 BASED ON ALL 99 100
SUBSTANDARD
PROPERTIES
IMPROVED
INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE INDICATIVE COST / RESOURCE
~£5m 1 > £100m 7 > £100m 1 0 1PLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 29
GOAL 1
REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Greater Exeter consumes 10TWh of energy every DIRECT ACTIONS
year – enough to make 368 trips to the moon or
to drive around the Earth 1.5 million times. 1.2 Encourage all organisations in Exeter (including schools) to commit to energy reduction
measures, including demand reduction, upgrade of building insulation and heating.
This use is set to grow. Existing energy 1.3 Refine local planning policy so that it requires the highest energy efficiency standards
consumption patterns already cost our residents (e.g. passive) in all new domestic, industrial, commercial and public buildings.
and businesses over £900m each year; a
significant cost to many families and a particular ENABLING ACTIONS
burden to those in fuel poverty.
1.1 Implement “Smart energy technology” in all homes across Exeter, to support the efficient use
In a Net Zero Exeter, residents and businesses of energy, particularly from sustainable sources, and support the elimination of fuel poverty.
will have access to the right tools to measure 1.4 Encourage upgrades to highest efficiency appliances.
and understand energy use in order to reduce
consumption and increase energy efficiency.
INDICATORS
Related Plans and Policies: 1.5 Exeter has a strong set of demonstrators / case studies to show how commercial buildings and
industrial processes can be more energy efficient.
• Action Plan for an Energy Neutral Council
• Exeter City Council:
Energy Strategy 2017 - 2022
• Exeter Local Plan “With so many people having to balance paying for food
• Exeter Core Strategy: or having heating, having net zero homes will make such a
CP13 Decentralised Energy Networks difference to so many and having these homes will also reduce
and CP15 Sustainable Construction
energy consumption and make the world better for all”
Resident VoicePLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 30
GOAL 2
ACCESS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
Energy is essential to our city. It provides heat DIRECT ACTIONS
for our homes, powers our transport and keeps
our healthcare system running. In a world where 2.1 Ensure that 100% of electricity consumed by the city is generated from clean sources.
natural resources are limited, establishing an 2.2 Conduct multi-authority strategic planning to exploit the maximum potential for renewable
affordable, locally-generated green energy generation (solar, wind, geothermal).
supply is vital to maintain our quality of life.
2.7 Transition public-sector buildings over to locally generated renewable sources of energy
(e.g. solar, district heat networks).
This must be supported by increased public
and private investment, a strong and engaged
community and a focus on regulatory frameworks ENABLING ACTIONS
and innovative business models that can 2.3 Engage the public in identifying renewable energy solutions that are acceptable, and in the
transform our local energy systems. context of the energy choices available.
In a Net Zero Exeter, all residents will have 2.3 Deploy smart grid technology to realise the potential local benefits of regional generation.
access to locally generated renewable sources 2.5 Establish world-leading programmes of research and investment into enhanced renewable
of energy. energy generation and storage; including solar, wind, marine and geothermal, energy storage
technologies and improving efficiency of generation.
Related Plans and Policies: 2.6 Ensure that data on sources of energy generation in the city is shared publicly, so consumers are
• Exeter City Council: better informed about the breakdown and source of their energy use.
Energy Strategy 2017 - 2022
• Greater Exeter Strategic Plan - Evidence base: INDICATORS
Low Carbon Study (In development) No specific indicators have been identified for this goal at this stage.
• Exeter Local Plan
• Exeter Core Strategy:
CP14 Renewable Energy “We need local energy for local people”
Political VoicePLAN FOR A NET ZERO EXETER 31
CASE STUDY
EXETER CITY COUNCIL PROJECT ZERO
The use of solar PV to reduce energy to powering 180 homes, with a carbon saving
consumption from the grid at source is a priority equal to the planting of 1600 trees. The solar
for the city council. Where roof space /structures array provides a 25-year income stream which
allow, the energy team has ensured that solar has provided for a much-needed replacement
PV technology is utilised on various venues roof. Supporting the local farming community
across the city. by safeguarding the future of the busy livestock
market and events venue. In addition, all
Royal Albert Memorial Building leased shop units inside the building share the
One building that proved to be a very council’s renewable electricity supply using a
challenging installation was the Royal Albert Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) providing a
Memorial Museum (RAMM). The PV array is discounted green energy tariff.
shaped by the roof. deemed to be structurally
adequate and by planning consent restrictions
Quay Climbing Centre
applied to this Grade II Listed Building. In The former City of Exeter Light and Power
addition, extensive structural investigations Station which served the city from 1903 is
became necessary due to the varied roof producing energy again, this time renewable
structures and existing renovation works. energy from the sun. The building owned
Solutions and innovative installation methods by Exeter City Council is leased to the Quay
were found with the help of the install contractor Climbing Centre. The Solar PV array installed by
SunGift Energy allowing the RAMM to benefit Exeter City Council was the first project involving
from a 26kW Solar PV array. a leased council property. The system includes
105 solar panels and generates 30,000kWh of
Livestock Centre energy per year. Electricity generated is sold
The 1.5MW array installed at the council’s to the leaseholder at a discounted price using
Livestock Centre has provided for a carbon a PPA. The Quay Climbing Centre benefits
positive building, one that generates 1.1GW per from reduced energy bills, with a green supply,
annum of renewable electricity. The equivalent reducing carbon produced by just under 16
tonnes per year.You can also read
