Archived press release

Date Published: 19/03/07

Aylesbury Vale District Council is set to reduce energy costs and cut carbon pollution in response to rising fuel prices and global warming. At a meeting of the council’s cabinet this week, members approved a range of energy efficiency meas...

Aylesbury Vale District Council is set to reduce energy costs and cut carbon pollution in response to rising fuel prices and global warming.

At a meeting of the council’s cabinet this week, members approved a range of energy efficiency measures that will save money on fuel bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Currently the council emits just under 5000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (the principle gas responsible for climate change) from its gas and electricity use each year.

AVDC’s strategy to cut the amount of carbon dioxide it produces will be met through a series of projects and actions that will reduce energy use in its buildings, improve water and energy efficiency, reduce the environmental impact of harmful emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.

Some of the measures to reduce carbon emissions include:
• Investigating a system which allows all computers to be switched off automatically at night
• The setting up of an “energy champions” scheme where staff encourage colleagues to adopt sustainable practices such as turning off printers, copiers and lights when they are not being used 
• Installing Voltage Power Optimisations (VPO) at Friarscroft car park. This technology enables electrical equipment to be operated at low voltages, reducing energy costs in the process
• Signing up to the Local Authority Carbon Management (LACM) programme to help the council evaluate, monitor and reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide
• Installing more energy efficient lighting, improving insulation to boilers and considering the use of swimming pool covers at Aqua Vale and Swan Pool

The action plan has been developed following a review of the council’s energy management practices by the economy scrutiny committee. The committee recommended that AVDC should set an example to others in addressing issues such as climate change, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and using sustainable technologies, and not just be looking to reduce energy use as means of saving money.

David Betts, Head of Property and Operational Services, said: “As a local authority, we need to be leading from the front on making local improvements to tackle climate change. The alternative, if global temperatures continue to rise, will be more floods and storms, severe disruption within the local economy and escalating energy prices.

“The energy bill for the council last year was around £1.225 million and we emitted 4,934 tonnes of carbon dioxide from our gas and electricity use. If we don’t take action now our fuel bills will continue to rise in the future.

“Significant savings are achievable in our organisation by making energy efficiency improvements, educating staff about the importance of saving energy and taking levels of water and energy efficiency into account in new buildings and refurbishments. By ensuring the concept of sustainability is at the heart of everything the council does, we can cut CO2 emissions and save council tax payers’ money in the process. A real ‘win-win’.”