Renewable energy integration and micro-generation

As part of its overall efforts to promote renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency, the council seeks to facilitate and encourage greater integration of renewable energy technologies, both in the design of new buildings and through the appropriate retrofitting of such technologies to existing buildings. For many buildings this will mean increased consideration of the benefits of small-scale renewable energy technologies (often referred to as 'micro-generation'). Micro-generation represents the production of heat and/or electricity (generally less than 50kW capacity) from low or zero carbon energy sources. In addition to the obvious carbon benefits, this also plays an important part in diversifying our energy mix and ensuring security of energy supply. It can allow energy to be produced and consumed locally, help alleviate fuel poverty (especially in off-gas network areas) and play a part in meeting renewable energy targets.