Council saves £860k in energy consumption

PERTH and Kinross Council has clawed back £860,000 in energy consumption reductions in its buildings in the last six years.

Figures released by the local authority show a range of “energy efficiency” measures led to an 11% drop in electricity usage and 25% in gas consumption between the financial years 2012-13 and 2016-17.

Council chiefs claim that equates to annual savings of £145,000 during this time.

They also state a further reduction of 3% was achieved between 2016-17 and the first nine months of 2017-18, equating to further savings of £135,000 i n energy costs. It makes the total saving £860,000.

A council spokeswoman said the savings had been achieved through a range of measures including turning down heating in their buildings and increased analysis of information on energy use.

She said: “A number of energy and water conservation projects were delivered by the council’s property services department during the 2017-18 financial year, helping to meet the local authority’s 3% energy reduction target.

“Alongside this, there has been decreased energy use at the council’s Perth High Street headquarters since the building’s major refurbishment and upgrade was completed in 2016.”

Councillor Peter Barrett, a Liberal Democrat member o f Pe r t h a n d K i n ro s s Council’s property subcommittee, expressed his delight.

He said: “This is a very welcome announcement that reflects the i mpact energy efficiency measures can have — from both a financial and environmental perspective.”

He added:“The council will be using low and zero carbon technologies in our new and refurbished buildings.”