Energy Alton welcomed Luke Smith, Principal Energy Specialist at the National Energy Foundation (NEF), on 5th May to lead a workshop on the community energy data model developed by NEF for Alton.  Participants in the event at the Community Centre came from all three tiers of local government – Alton Town Council, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council – and groups such as Basingstoke Energy Group and Winchester Action on Climate Change.

In 2014 Energy Alton won an award from NEF, which was used to commission them to develop a data model of the town’s energy consumption by the various types of public and private buildings.  This is the first time NEF has undertaken this complex exercise for a town or local community.  The model brings together a wide range of available data on the energy consumption of different types of domestic and commercial properties.  Luke demonstrated how the data can be improved, the parameters changed and how findings from the data model can be displayed in an easily-understandable form.

The aim of the data model is to serve as a basis for developing a local energy strategy for Alton.  It can be used to develop different scenarios and targets for improving the energy efficiency of different types of property.  Energy Alton will be taking this work forward in the coming months, in collaboration with its partners.  It has significant potential to improve the town’s energy security and to inform spatial and community planning decisions.

For more information see Luke Smith’s slide set here: 050516 – NEF Energy Alton Workshop 1

We would welcome your thoughts and ideas on how to get the most value from this unique resource.