We recognise in our climate change strategy the need to 'become a net-zero carbon organisation that leads by example in implementing and promoting sustainable and low carbon practices.' This can be achieved in many ways including improving the energy performance of our property. However, each of us needs to play our part.
Why energy efficiency is important
Everything we do uses energy and each unit of electricity or gas that we use to heat and power our buildings increases our carbon emissions and operating costs.
Using energy and fuel efficiently means using the minimum amount required to heat or power a building.
What we're doing
We've nearly completed the replacement of street lighting with LEDs which, along with other measures such as night-dimming, has reduced emissions by 83% since 2009/2010.
All corporate properties are undergoing an asset management review, which includes assessment of energy use. Properties may be retained, developed, leased, sold or demolished.
Energy data is collected for all sites, and many have automatic measurements of gas and electricity taken every half-hour, which can be used to identify waste and make improvements.
More detailed energy monitoring is being developed for high energy use sites to identify opportunities for savings.
Display energy certificates and recommendation reports are produced for public properties. They rate the efficiency of the property and give information on what improvements can be made. They are publicly available, and energy performance certificates (EPCs) are on the leased register online.
Retrofit works are being planned for many sites to reduce energy consumption, including improving heating systems (heat pumps), more efficient lighting and improved insulation.
Several of our properties have solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on their roofs, and we have plans and funding to install more. The energy generated at these sites can be consumed directly by the property reducing costs and carbon emissions.
Larger renewable energy generation is required to offset any residual energy use and the development of solar farms is being investigated.
Top tips
Volunteer as an Energy Champion for your building.
Turn your laptop and monitor off at the end of each day rather than leaving on standby. If you're working from home this reduces your energy bills.
Report any faulty thermostats, radiators, windows that won't close or open and lighting which doesn't work or remains switched on:
Where hot water dispensers are provided, use these instead of boiling a kettle. If using a kettle, only boil the amount of water needed.
Reduce the number of emails you send. Think carefully about whether you need to send an email just to say thank you. Could you email at the end of the day or week to thank someone for all their help instead of in response to each email? One study suggests that average annual email usage is equivalent in terms of carbon emissions to driving a small petrol car for around 128 miles.
Reduce the number of attachments you send and save - use SharePoint links instead.
Feedback any suggestions and good practice, email climate.change@derbyshire.gov.uk
Book Climate Change Everybody's Business training to increase your understanding of climate change and its implications.
For managers
If you're responsible for a building, contact the energy management team to request login details to input monthly readings directly into the energy monitoring system. This will enable effective measuring and monitoring of your energy consumption, and you'll be able to compare current consumption against historical data.
The facilities management energy team will be able to help you to take steps to improve energy efficiency.
Lead by example and book Climate Change - Everybody's Business training.