Energy Efficiency Developments

Fuel Switching

Significant progress in converting off peak electric heating systems to gas fired wet systems. This has included Ludgate Old People’s Home, Strathdevon P.S. and Deerpark P.S. A gas supply has recently been installed at Claremont P.S. with view to conversion over the next two years. Conversion to gas heating improves comfort and controllability, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

Fuel Supply Contracts

The latest fuel supply contracts were re-tendered in April 2007 in conjunction with Falkirk and Stirling Councils. This set up enjoys the benefit of combined purchasing power and reduced administration for each authority,however this year saw a large rise in Energy costs due to the increases in the market over the period of the last fixed contract. The council has continued in its uptake of electricity generated from renewable sources.

Energy Policy

A formal policy for Energy use in public buildings is to be adopted in November 04. This will commit the council to raising the profile of energy efficiency, and include staff training, awareness campaigns, technical improvements and renewable energy technologies. The first of these, a solar water heating scheme at Deerpark P.S, has recently been installed.

Energy Efficiency Improvements To Existing Buildings.

The council has continued to invest in a number of projects to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings. These include improved heating controls, zoning of heating systems, swimming pool covers, lighting controls, draught proofing, replacement window programme, water conservation measures, insulation programmes.

Carbon Trust – Multi-site Assessmemts

The Action Energy programme has been utilised to carry out energy surveys on several public buildings. The findings of these will be used to further improve efficiency in these and other buildings.

Scottish Government Public Sector Energy Efficiency Fund

Clackmannanshire has been allocated £136,000 from the government fund to improve energy efficiency in its public buildings. This programme will ensure additional revolving finance for investment in required energy efficiency improvements for years to come.