MOST SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATION – LOCAL AUTHORITY
schools (which are collectively responsible for nearly 50% of the Council’s corporate emissions) will receive tailored training on using smart metering to reduce energy use. Schools will be encouraged to perform energy audits, produce their own Energy Policies and integrate carbon reduction into the whole-school sustainability approach. A minimum initial reduction of 10% in energy and water use will be encouraged, with the financial savings going to the school and the carbon savings helping towards LBC’s own targets under the Carbon Management Plan and CRC EES Water consumption is also
acknowledged as important and usage is being tracked to identify and eliminate leaks at sites across the authority. National Indicator 185 (CO2
emissions from
LBC buildings, from 41,930 tons in 2008/9 to 29,040 tons in 2009/10. The reduction in CO2
emissions will be
quantified more accurately once smart metering is in place and actual energy data is available for all sites rather than using benchmarking data for some buildings. However, we are already seeing significant savings in energy and water use, (which translate into carbon and financial savings) and have every confidence that the energy saving initiatives put into place will bring continued reductions.
SPREADING THE WORD We employ a wide range of communications channels, tools and techniques to spread the words of sustainability. We hosted a number of events for various stakeholders, eg businesses and community leaders, schools, staff, residents, council tenants etc, focused solely or partially on sustainability. We have used staff newsletters and the Council’s magazine to advertise the aerial thermal survey, energy monitors loan
The Executive of 7th June 2010 on Overall Provisional Revenue Outturn For The Year 2009/10, states :- “The Invest to Save Reserve was £2.15 million as at 31st March 2010. Use of the
and recently the Green Up Luton Challenge for which we have recruited a dozen households and followed their progress in carbon footprint reduction over 3 months (See Picture 2.) Altogether over the last year, we had 10 “sustainable” publicity items in corporate publications and the local press and radio.
scheme4
Internet surveys have been used to consult staff on the favoured modes of public transport and further questionnaires are planned this autumn on business travel and commuting habits to inform development of a Sustainable Travel Plan, and on energy and appliances to provide examples for a Green Office Guide.
PARTNERSHIPS reduction
from local authority operations) has shown a 31% reduction in CO2
There is little we do without entering into a partnership. Be it in a cross departmental officers group on climate change or sustainable travel planning, collaboration with other councils in Bedfordshire to provide a common lift sharing website or joining a regional bid to fund charging infrastructure for electric vehicles - we partner for improved outcomes.
A novel partnership between the Energy Savings Trust, Building Research Establishment and the Council will trial methods of improving thermal performance, especially in solid walled dwellings. A joined initiative with Groundwork Bedfordshire will develop lesson plans for schools based on the smart metering data. A recently launched project with International Climate Challenge will help groups of young people improve their leadership skills and
take on mini-projects reducing CO2 emissions in their neighbourhoods. Close work with the Schools Library Service identified a need for EcoStyle Renewables Kits to help with schools project work on renewable energy. We also work with our local business
community. We have organised a number of awareness raising events for staff at the
reserve in 2009/10 totalled £335k; (…) A further contribution was made to the reserve of £298k, being the under spend on energy budget in the year, as agreed by the Executive on 19 April this
amount will be ring-fenced for energy conservation measures.”
4.
www.luton.gov.uk/ energymonitors
Pcture 2. Winners of The Luton Green-Up Challenge, Jeremy & Louise Williams being awarded the first prize by the Mayor, Cllr Tom Shaw
Luton HQ of Vauxhall GM, contributed to the Low Carbon Forum at London Luton Airport and supported our local shopping centre in their environmental initiatives. Finally, the recently published LBC Environment Strategy Framework is a result of the cooperation of multiple Council service units. It encapsulates the approach to environmental matters within LBC, including how we will manage our assets. These include parks & green spaces, the street scene, historic buildings, affordable warmth, corporate resource management, carbon management and housing energy use.
THE BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD… Luton Borough Council has gone a long way in addressing its waste and energy use, segregation of recyclables, managing the use of water and implementing sustainable procurement rules. We are aware that there is still a lot that we could be doing to reduce the adverse effects we have on the environment. However, we also strongly believe we have now laid the foundations of becoming a more sustainable and resource efficient organisation that will continuously improve its performance in the years to come.
SUSTAINABLE FM AWARDS 2010
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