We contacted the Carbon Trust to ask for some external expertise and fresh perspective, by way of their survey service.
Energy Manager Jeff Kirton, Durham County Hall
The business case
Following a visit from the Carbon Trust, more than ten per cent of potential savings were identified, derived from measures such as insulating pipework, adding timers to photocopiers, water coolers and vending machines, plus an employee awareness programme.
Built in the 1960s, and spanning seven floors, the County Hall is one of Durham County Council’s flagship buildings and has a prominent position at the edge of the city.
The site comprises a multi-storey office block, an ancillary block with library and laboratory facilities, plus a restaurant. The various buildings attached to County Hall house around 2,000 people at any one time (1,900 staff and 100 visitors).
The Council’s Environmental Team had already done a significant amount of work to improve the energy efficiency of the building, having already added cavity and additional roof insulation, but they were aware that more steps could be taken to reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions. Energy Manager Jeff Kirton explains:
“We believe that the County Hall ought to set the energy standard for other buildings in the Durham area, and, with an annual energy bill of almost £180,000, we also thought that there were cost savings to be made. We therefore contacted the Carbon Trust to ask for some external expertise and fresh perspective, by way of their survey service.”
The technology
The Carbon Trust visited County Hall and recommended a number of initiatives, which, if all implemented, could save the council more than £18,500 a year – more than ten per cent of their current energy costs. Suggestions included:
- The introduction of an employee awareness campaign
- Timers for photocopiers, water coolers and vending machines
- Switching from tungsten lights to compact fluorescent bulbs
- Insulating the pipework
Jeff Kirton continues:
“It was good to have ‘another pair of eyes’ to survey County Hall and the technical recommendations have been implemented. I would recommend all other local authorities to get involved with the Carbon Trust.”
Find out more about expert advice available for local authorities to help reduce energy costs and cut emissions.