VALE of Glamorgan energy manager David Powell says it’s important that the authority sets a good example to the community by being as energy efficient as possible.
It is committed to improving its environmental credentials, including energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Working with the Carbon Trust to produce a carbon management reduction strategy, it has secured 50% match funding to create a “spend to save” fund of just under £500,000.
Buildings are being systematically surveyed to identify need for extra insulation and other measures and the fund is replenished through savings made.
Other measures include swimming pool covers, improved heating controls, radiator reflector panels, high efficiency condensing boilers, improved lighting emitters and controls and voltage reduction equipment.
SMART meters were installed to collect information on how much energy is used in each half hour period daily and can highlight if equipment is left on unnecessarily.
Five primary schools took part in the RWE nPower-sponsored climate cops programme and children can now point out to others when energy is being wasted.
A two-year realising resources programme with Groundwork Bridgend Neath Port Talbot involves 25 primary schools and is supported with European funding.
Teachers and pupils learn to read utility meters and track how much energy is being used.
The aim is to reduce consumption by 10% within each school and also looks at water use and waste produced.
Almost all housing stock has been insulated and high efficiency condensing gas boilers are being installed where practical.
The authority is committed to all departments achieving Green Dragon Environmental award level 1 by 2010 – many already have, with one achieving the highest level 5.
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