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| Energy Efficiency
We all use far more energy than we need to because we use it inefficiently. Poorly insulated buildings and poor control of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting all waste energy. Many of our appliances are less energy efficient than they could be. Increasing energy efficiency will dramatically reduce our energy consumption. The subsequent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will help minimise the effects of climate change.
Warwickshire County Council is directly responsible for the energy used in schools, nurseries, care homes, day centres, libraries, museums, Council offices, and street lights across the county. Historically, this energy has been far the largest source of our greenhouse gas emissions. In 2002/2003 the Council used 140,210 Megawatt hours (MWh) of energy (from all fuels) to operate its services. This produced over 52,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The Council adopted an energy policy for its properties in 2001, and this strategy is a key element in demonstrating leadership by reducing emissions from its own estate.
Key private sector companies in Warwickshire have also accepted the challenge of climate change, for example the BMW plant at Hams Hall has reduced its energy consumption by 27% since it opened in 1998, through the adoption of ISO14001 and energy efficiency measures.
Fuel Poverty
Recent rises in energy prices are estimated to have tipped a further 1 million people nationally into ‘fuel poverty’ - defined as when 10% or more of a household’s disposable income is spent on energy.
The Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA, 1996) aims to reduce energy consumption in residential accommodation by 30% within 10 years. Warwickshire Borough and District Councils, which are responsible for housing, have created partnerships with the Warwickshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre manufacturers, retailers and installers to achieve this through subsidised schemes. |
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