Summary
Since 1991 the Council had achieved savings of over £4 million by tendering energy supplies and through energy efficiency measures but was keen to do more to cut its energy use and spend.
The Carbon Trust worked with Bristol City Council to produce a longer-term Carbon Management Action Plan – a list of energy-saving recommendations designed to save Bristol City Council more than £400,000 in the next five years and to reduce its level of carbon emissions. This formed part of Bristol’s Climate Protection and Sustainable Energy Strategy which was adopted in September 2004.
Key actions
- Implement energy efficiency measures identified by energy audits of Council buildings in 2003-4
Putting the existing energy audits recommendations for the Council’s buildings into practice will save over £400,000 on energy bills over the next five years. Specific measures include insulating heating valves and pipe work, lighting controls and energy efficient lighting, installing time clocks on photocopiers and other equipment, and upgrading heating controls. - Improve energy awareness in Council buildings and schools
Educating building managers, staff and school children about energy efficiency is key to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions and energy bill – this initiative is designed to achieve a ten per cent energy reduction within three years. - Incorporate carbon management into new building design and refurbishment
The Council is set to start making energy savings by ensuring that carbon management is integrated into the tender process for any Council building or refurbishment for example through using whole life costing techniques. - Ensure that staff travel arrangements are energy efficient
Measures will include promoting walking, cycling, public transport, greater use of pool cars, alternative fuels and incentives for sustainable transport modes through travel plans. - Integrate carbon management into corporate procurement
The development and adoption of a Sustainable Procurement Code of Practice will ensure that any equipment purchased for the Council is energy efficient. - Test street lighting remote monitoring pilot scheme
Energy costs for street lighting are rising due to the Council’s current focus on community safety and crime reduction. Use of new technology would enable lights to be brightest at peak times and dimmed during off-peak hours.
Find out more about expert advice available for local authorities to help reduce energy costs and cut emissions.