UK local authority uses digital twin tech for net zero plans

Councillor Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate action and housing, said: “Calderdale met its 2020 target of reducing carbon emissions by 40 per cent, but the borough has bigger, long-term ambitions when it comes to decarbonisation, as part of our priority for climate action. To deliver on our net zero targets, we needed a clear plan informed by data to ensure the decisions we make about energy generation are as effective and sustainable as possible.

“As the first borough in West Yorkshire to use intelligent digital twin technology to inform a LAEP, we’re proud to be setting a positive example for other authorities looking to drive forward their decarbonisation journey. IES provided us with robust data and actionable insights to ensure our plans drive forward our long-term vision.”

Nick Purshouse, IES project lead for the Calderdale LAEP, explained that the digital twin technology provides a comprehensive, visual model of every building in the area, allowing us to test various low-carbon scenarios with scientific accuracy. “Our tool not only provides a solid evidence base for decision-making but also enables ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress.”

“As the first borough in West Yorkshire to use intelligent digital twin technology to inform a LAEP, we’re proud to be setting a positive example for other authorities looking to drive forward their decarbonisation journey”

“It’s charted the path to achieve net-zero by 2038, providing both the confidence and detailed understanding that Calderdale needs to take effective action.”

 The LAEP was launched at a major event convened by Calderdale Council, ‘From Insight to Action: Local Solutions to Net Zero’. The next stage for the council will be to work out how to deliver it by developing business cases for priority projects and working with key stakeholders and trusted partners. Collaboration between local government and businesses alike will be key to ensuring success in implementing the LAEP.

The event was attended by a range of public and private sector leaders in the environment and sustainability sector. It was sponsored by Northern Powergrid and showcased some of the work taking place in Calderdale to tackle the climate emergency. From local area energy planning to retrofit projects and policy work, the borough is unlocking barriers to make net zero a reality. The event was also supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and UK100.