Hambleton and Richmondshire District
Councils are getting more energy efficient - to cut
costs.
As energy and fuel prices rise, a series of
measures has been put in place by both authorities – and advice is
being given to residents and businesses on how to drive down their
costs.
Where possible, large waste vehicles used by
both councils have been fitted with fuel saving systems to monitor
staff driving and limit peaks in fuel demand. They should
prevent spending of £80,000 every year. And all the fuel
saving actions should see the impact of this year’s 19% increase in
fuel price reduced to a 3% cost rise at Hambleton, and a 7% saving
for Richmondshire. Further fuel efficiency measures are also being
investigated - including driver training.
Hambleton is optimising electricity supplies,
and using more energy efficient equipment in its four Leisure
Centres and council offices - including pool pumps and air
conditioning, self-powered gym equipment, and lower energy
lighting. It has also reduced excessive lighting in car parks,
while ensuring they retain their gold star safety rating.
To help tenants save money, live more
comfortably and reduce carbon emissions, Richmondshire has already
ensured all its Council houses meet the Decent Homes Standard and
all possible cavity-walled homes will be insulated by March
2012. In areas where gas is not available, the aim is to
switch oil central heating systems that need replacing for
renewable energy air-source heat pumps, which are cheaper to
run.
“This energy and fuel efficiency drive is key
to keeping the pressure of increasing costs as low as possible,”
said Councillor Fleur Butler, Richmondshire’s Climate Change
Spokesperson.
“We have already brought in a range of
measures – and we are constantly looking for new ways of reducing
costs and carbon emissions.”
And Hambleton’s Environment Champion,
Councillor Tim Swales, added: “As a Council, the best way to
promote the benefits of energy efficiency is to lead by example –
we are providing the advice residents and businesses need to follow
our lead.”
Both Councils are promoting business resource
and energy efficiency to help businesses save money. And the
North Yorkshire wide Green Neighbourhood Challenge is raising
awareness of how people can thrive by using less energy and
fuel. Log on to http://www.greenneighbourhood.co.uk/
for more information.
To find out more about what Richmondshire or
Hambleton District Councils are doing on energy efficiency, and the
help available for residents and businesses, visit
Richmondshire.gov.uk; Hambleton.gov.uk or contact Sustainable
Development Officer, Bryony Wilford, on 01609 767160 or sustainable.development@hambleton.gov.uk
August 10, 2011