Energy theme for GEM
Herefordshire Council aims to lead by example through a new project aimed at cutting the authority’s energy bills.
Working with registered charity Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA), the Manage Your Energy (MY Energy) project will run for one year and aims to achieve a 10 per cent saving on electricity costs as part of the council’s Good Environmental Management (GEM) system.
The project, which launches on May 1, also allows council staff to make a vital difference towards limiting climate change as well as making financial savings. Another aim is to highlight the benefits of energy efficiency in the home.
Energy Champions have volunteered to work in the council’s buildings at Plough Lane, Garrick House, Brockington, Bath Street, Blackfriars Education and Conference Centre, Unit 10 Blackfriars, Blueschool House, Leominster Library, Grange Court in Leominster, Whitecross Road, Moor House, Thorn, Queenswood, Hereford Town Hall, Hereford library, art gallery and museum, The Old Priory at Leominster and Herefordshire Jarvis Services at Unit 3 of Thorn.
These champions will be encouraging staff to take simple energy saving measures such as switching off lights, computers and monitors when not in use especially during meetings, lunch hours and overnight.
An information pack for Energy Champions is being compiled with details of costs of leaving equipment on, myth busting, information posters and labels and a list of energy champions in each building.
Throughout the year, quarterly themes and events will be held to provide information on cost savings that can be achieved through simple actions.
Staff awareness days are also being arranged and planned.
