WORK to save the carbon equivalent of taking 187 cars off the road is now well underway at four sites across Teignbridge.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Having declared a climate emergency and a commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Teignbridge is leading by example by undertaking major work at four council sites to reduce carbon emissions and save energy costs by installing new, low-carbon technology.
‘Implementation of the plans announced earlier this year – which have attracted £3 million in national grants – is gathering pace at Forde House, Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, Broadmeadow Sports Centre and The Lido.
‘The strategy behind the works focuses on reducing our demand for fossil fuels by replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, becoming more energy efficient by increasing thermal insulation levels and installing energy-efficient equipment, generating energy on-site to reduce our dependence on the electricity network and measuring and monitoring energy consumption to make sure our projects deliver their intended energy and carbon savings.
‘At the council’s headquarters in Forde House, more than 85 tonnes of CO2 will be saved annually through replacing old gas boilers with low carbon air source heat pumps, increasing solar PV capacity, upgrading ventilation systems, introducing LED lighting and energy metering as well as double glazing and draught proofing.
‘Newton Abbot Leisure Centre will also see heat pumps and Solar PV introduced as well as the introduction of new building energy management systems and electrical network upgrades which will save 220 tonnes CO2 per year.
‘At Broadmeadow Leisure Centre, LED lighting and solar PV, and battery energy storage will save more than five tonnes of CO2 and in addition to the green energy work, a new roof is being installed over the sports hall, which will increase carbon savings by up to 13 tonnes CO2 per annum.
‘At Teignmouth Lido, gas boilers are being replaced with heat pumps and solar PV, battery energy storage, energy metering, electricity network upgrades and a new building energy management system is being introduced saving annually 63 tonnes of CO2.’
Executive Member for Climate Change Cllr Jackie Hook said she was delighted that the work was underway.
‘Tackling the council-owned buildings which emit the most carbon is an important step forward in demonstrating this council’s commitment to improving the environment and contributing to the battle against climate change.
‘Significant planning has taken place to minimise disruption to services and as well as tackling emissions, the introduction of green technology will reduce energy costs which in turn will help cut council costs.
‘At the same time, further improvements are being made to the buildings which will improve the way we work and the services available to residents.’
The work is expected to be completed in all four sites by the summer.