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 Home: Community full menu: Environment: Energy and water conservation
Energy and water conservation projects in Kirklees
Lisa Herron - March 2006
environment.unit@kirklees.gov.uk
Community focused projects
Kirklees Council provides financial support and management co-ordination to help the local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre manage new energy saving schemes for householders in Kirklees. The Council also informs and educates the general public about energy efficiency, and are involved in numerous community activity days.
Emissions Trading Scheme
Kirklees Council is one of the few councils in the country to have entered into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. This is a government scheme run by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in which companies and organisations are allocated a set amount of emissions each year. If they use more than their allocated amount, they have to purchase extra allowances. If they don't use all of their allowances, they can sell the surplus back to the scheme. The Emissions Trading Scheme encourages companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and (through the sale of excess allowances) it can provide a useful income. In Kirklees' case, this income is reinvested into other environmental projects.
Energy and Water Conservation Loan Fund
Managers of Kirklees Council buildings (e.g. head teachers of schools) can apply for a loan which can help with the cost of installing energy or water reduction devices such as automatic lighting controls, push taps, draught proofing and energy efficient lighting. So far this fund has reduced the CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from Council buildings by 3,875 tonnes and saved almost £400,000 on council energy bills.
For more information on the Energy and Water Conservation Loan Fund, contact:
Lisa Herron - Environment Assistant
01484 223602
lisa.herron@kirklees.gov.uk
School Energy
In order to help schools and colleges consider their energy and water use, Kirklees Council runs a School Energy project each year. It offers students the chance to learn about energy, the impact that energy production and consumption have on the environment, and the importance of reducing energy consumption. The School Energy project is free to schools and is designed to not add extra work for teachers. Students can get involved in carrying out energy audits, writing energy newspapers, interacting with local theatre companies and setting up school travel plans.
One outcome of this programme was the installation of a wind turbine at Spen Valley Sports College, which was launched in June 2005.
For more information on the School Energy project, contact:
Lisa Herron - Environment Assistant
01484 223602
lisa.herron@kirklees.gov.uk
Renewable Energy projects
Kirklees is also involved in many ambitious renewable energy projects, which help reduce the Council's impact on the environment.
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