We’re going to switch the lighting in Council-owned sites to the latest LED lighting as part of our ongoing commitment to becoming a greener, more sustainable city.
We’re putting our words into action by making sure 10 of our sites have efficient and controllable LED lighting, which uses less electricity, helps reduce maintenance costs and cuts carbon emissions.
A decision is being signed today to approve the business case and to authorise the start of the procurement process. It is hoped work will start at the end of this year or early next year.
Lowering carbon emissions will help the city’s climate emergency action plan and the pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Approximately 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) will be reduced over the life of the lights and 794 megawatt hours a year of electricity will be saved, which could lead to thousands of pounds being saved on bills and maintenance alone.
Three areas are being targeted – the sports hall and gym at the Life Centre (with work taking place while the centre is closed), corporate buildings at Prince Rock, Ballard House, the Council House and Chelson Meadow and car parks including Western Approach, Mayflower East, Theatre Royal and Mutley.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene said: “We have been looking at everything that we as a council can do to make a difference and to help reduce carbon emissions.
“The electricity we can save doing this is equal to that used by 267 homes and the carbon emission that will not go into the atmosphere equals two million miles of car exhaust emissions. It’s a win-win: saving money and saving the planet.”
A total of £626,800 is being allocated to the capital programme with half funded through the Decarbonisation Fund funded by Salix – an interest free loan. It is estimated that in the first year over £100,000 savings will be made.