Each unit of electricity or gas that we use to heat and power our buildings increases 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.
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.
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.
Thanks to external funding we have invested in the Williamthorpe clean energy facility to generate electricity on a former landfill site.
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?
Reduce the number of attachments you send and save - use SharePoint links instead.
Feedback any suggestions and good practice to email: place.sustainability@derbyshire.gov.uk
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.