Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council is to use digital twin technology in developing a local area energy plan (LAEP) with climate technology firm IES.
It has awarded a contract to the company for it to use the technology in detailed analysis and modelling, and deliver a LAEP that outlines costed and data driven interventions to decarbonise the borough.
This is likely to cover changes in local heat and transport, the energy efficiency of buildings and renewable energy.
It could include retrofit options for buildings, low carbon heat networks, the use of rooftop solar or wind turbines, and the implementation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
IES said the project is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire and can act as a pilot for other councils in the area and across the country.
It will be delivered over 12 months and is supported by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub through its local capacity to support the West Yorkshire area.
Innovative work
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate change and resilience, Cllr Scott Patient, said: “This is a major piece of innovative work which will give a whole-borough overview of where we can focus our efforts to reach our net zero targets and inform wider climate action.
“As the first borough in the region to develop a local area energy plan, we’re leading the way in our fight to tackle to climate emergency, using data, evidence and available technology to inform and subsequently instigate real change.
“The LAEP would also act as a framework to inform further policies, including planning and investment decisions, putting carbon efficiency at the heart of council decision making.”
