The help and encouragement provided by the Carbon Trust has been extremely valuable, enabling us to compile an accurate baseline of our emissions and then identify deliverable projects to reduce our carbon footprint.
Councillor Nigel Lee, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Housing and Sustainability.
Business case
Legislative changes and the potential cost savings gave the council a compelling case to improve its energy efficiency. Working with the Carbon Trust, the Council put in place a Carbon Management plan, identifying key measures that cloud be taken to meet its aspirational 30% reduction target. As of September 2009, it had secured funding for 34 actions – to be paid for using ring-fenced funds and a £200,000 Salix loan.
Approach
Much of the work focuses on council-run buildings, and includes cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and improvements to the heating controls. LED lighting is being trialled in communal areas, while the street lighting is also being upgraded – with lower wattage lamps replacing low and high-pressure sodiums. Reflective material and solar powered LEDs are being used to illuminate street signage at night.
The programme has secured the commitment of senior management and is being overseen by a board, made up of senior managers from across the directorate, and a carbon management team, tasked with generating ideas on how to better manage energy. Across the Council, energy wardens are helping promote awareness of the key issues within their teams.
On the back of this success, the Council is taking advantage of our Strategic Design Advice service to help maximise carbon saving opportunities in the city’s regeneration plans.
At a glance
- Baseline CO2 emissions: 37,400 tonnes
- Target carbon reduction (by 2014): 30%
- Target carbon savings (by 2014): 11,300 tonnes
Find out more about expert advice available for local authorities to help reduce energy costs and cut emissions.