What has triggered energy management in Rhondda Cynon Taf?
Background Information
The Core aim of Agenda 21 is to reduce pollution by reducing energy consumption especially the pollutants responsible for the environmental changes that are increasingly manifesting themselves.
Agreement was reached during the Kyoto Conference for the U.K. to reduce emission of a basket of 6 greenhouse gases by 12.5% of the 1990 figures by 2010. The government also announced a voluntary target of a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions during the same period. While these targets are not binding on individual sites they show the improvements needed to initiate change.
Over a longer term a reduction of 60% between 2000 and 2050 with possibly a reduction of 80% between 2000 and 2080 are needed simply to maintain the changes at their present level. While much attention is given to renewable methods of energy generation the most cost effective method of reducing emissions is to reduce energy consumption.
In order to reach this goal Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s establishments can now provide energy meter readings to the Energy Conservation Unit and receive monthly reports detailing their energy consumption. These reports will compare current consumption with the same period of the previous financial year. Those establishments who wish to benefit from the service are required to take energy and possibly water meter readings as close as is practicable to the end of each month and record them on the attached sheet. A report showing consumption trends will then be sent to the establishment.
What have we done to date?
The Welsh Assembly Government have set strict targets demanding significant reductions in Carbon Dioxide emissions to which we must comply. To date we have achieved our targets with innovative measures.
The following measures have been installed into public buildings:
- biomass woodfuel heating systems (carbon dioxide neutral)
- high efficiency condensing boilers
- replacement of obsolete air handling units with modern ultra-efficient air handling units
- heat recovery
- energy efficient heating controls, zoning of heating systems
- rainwater harvesting
- photovoltaic micro electricity generation
- solar hot water systems
- natural ventilation in lieu of air conditioning
- lighting control and low energy lighting
- combined heating and power (CHP)
- building energy management systems (BMS)
- installation of swimming pool covers
- the sourcing of electricity for use in public buildings that has been generated from clean and green sources
- ground source heat pumps.
- energy and water use surveys of public buildings
- energy and water use awareness seminars/publications to building managers
Water saving measures:
- waterless urinals
- infra red controlled taps
- spray taps
- push taps
- low volume cisterns
What are we trying to achieve and why is it important?
We want to see significant reduction in our carbon dioxide emissions to reduce the impact of global warming in line with commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol. These changes will also result in better value for money in the procurement of utilities to obtain best price for the public purse.
How will we benefit you?
Environmental benefits via reduced carbon dioxide emissions in an attempt to reduce the impact of global warming. Procurement of utilities at best value reduces the burden on the public purse. Procurement of clean/green electricity for consumption in public buildings reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the generation process.
If you are concerned about your energy consumption following the receipt of a report we would be pleased to offer advice, conduct surveys and possibly carry out energy saving schemes.