Caerphilly county borough council is committed to reducing, re-using and recycling as much as possible, and the green local authority has even found a new use for a heating system following the demolition of their old offices.
The former Ystrad Fawr site in Ystrad Mynach had an effective gas boiler that was removed just before the building was demolished to make way for the new hospital development.
St Martins Comprehensive School in Caerphilly had an old oil heating system that was used to heat to the classrooms and the swimming pool, so it was agreed that the school would benefit from having the gas boilers installed and the equipment was transferred to St Martins last year.
The move will lead to energy saving for the school in excess of £20,000 each year as well as the reduction of carbon by 10-18 tonnes per annum. The gas powered boilers also require less maintenance than the oil boilers.
Cllr Colin Mann, CCBC cabinet member for finance, resources and sustainability said, “This is yet another excellent example of our commitment to sustainability. We are always looking at new and innovative ways of reducing our carbon footprint and it’s also good to know that pupils at the school will also benefit from this scheme for many years to come. This is far better than just recycling, when you remember the slogan – reduce, re-use, recycle ”
Caerphilly county borough council is committed to becoming cleaner and greener and has a 10 year Carbon Reduction Strategy which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 45% of 07/08 levels.
Other recent examples of energy saving measures in council buildings include efficient lighting, insulation and automatic controls that all result in lower energy bills. The installation of swimming pool covers have also been used to conserve heat. The investment at Cefn Fforest, Caerphilly and Newbridge leisure centres, as well as St Martins Comprehensive School, has led to significant energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions at each venue.
For more information contact the council’s energy team on 01443 863329.
