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Areas of activity

Energy efficiency

Council wins top award

Calderdale Council was the first Council in West Yorkshire to receive the Government-supported Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme Award. The award is given to those organisations that prove their efforts to prevent wasting energy and protect the environment. Two hundred organisations have met the rigorous requirements since 1993. The Council demonstrated, to independent assessors, its achievement in three main areas:

In winning this award the Council joins Marks and Spencer, HBOS, Argos, Boots, Superdrug, IBM and Harrods. Only 48 other local authorities hold this accreditation, out of a total of 410 local authorities in England and Wales.

Energy management service for Council buildings

In order to assist sites with their monitoring of energy, the Sustainable Development team provides the following services:

Recording and checking energy consumption

Monthly / quarterly billing data entered into database, enabling the following:

Heating controls checks

• Twice yearly visit
• Controls checked / adjusted for correct operation and optimum energy consumption.

Energy audits

• Detailed investigation of building use, fabric, occupancy, heating and lighting controls
• Measurement of energy flows and performance of plant and equipment
• Review of policies and practices for energy management
• Opportunities identified for investment in energy efficiency measures.

Building Energy Management System (BEMS)

• Remote monitoring of heating plant operation
• Continual supervision of working conditions and use of energy
• Remote monitoring of energy used daily (where meters are connected)
• Warning signals provided in case of plant malfunction
• Patterns of energy use logged, for long-term analysis of performance and improvement
• Detailed diagnostic information enables quicker resolution of problems as they occur.

Fuel purchasing

The Sustainable Development team works with building users to ensure the most cost effective fuel purchasing possible for Council buildings.

Water minimisation

In order to help sites minimise their water consumption, the Sustainable Development team provides the following services:

Recording and checking consumption

• Quarterly / monthly billing data entered into the database
• High / low consumption notified to site and reasons investigated; advice, guidance and support given
• Performance indicators calculated as a guide to areas for cost effective improvement.

Billing checks

• Account queries taken up with Yorkshire Water on behalf of the building
• Meter size and standing charges checked for reduction potential.

Further information

Association for the Conservation of Energy|
The association aims to encourage a national awareness of the need for and benefits of energy conservation, and help to establish sensible and consistent national policies and programmes and increase investment in energy saving measures.

Centre for Sustainable Energy|
An independent charity which aims to advance sustainable energy policy and practice. CSE seeks environmentally sound and affordable energy solutions that meet the needs of and engage with people and communities.

Energy Saving Trust|
The Trust focuses on delivering practical energy conservation solutions for households, small firms and the road transport sector.

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