Climate change action plan 2021-23
Climate change action plan 2021-23
Climate change action plan 2021-23
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Power reduction and efficiency<br />
As with the priority <strong>action</strong> area covering heat, the key<br />
to maximising the benefits of energy efficiency are to<br />
reduce the total amount required prior to emphasising<br />
generation of our own energy. A few simple technologies<br />
exist to be able to support the reduction of energy<br />
demand.<br />
LED lights have long been a cornerstone of energy<br />
efficiency measures, but they have not been delivered<br />
in all technologically appropriate settings across the<br />
council estate. Local Services have delivered a wide<br />
roll out of LED lighting across the street lighting<br />
portfolio, however our property estate still has<br />
properties requiring installation. Northumberland<br />
County Council will undertake an evaluation of the<br />
whole estate, including maintained schools, and roll<br />
out LED lighting across the entire estate by 20<strong>23</strong>.<br />
Where possible and appropriate, passive infra-red<br />
(PIR) sensors will be installed at the same time as<br />
LEDs to ensure that power is only used when it is<br />
required.<br />
Another significant power use is electronic appliances,<br />
both white goods and IT equipment. Northumberland<br />
County Council will only purchase energy A+ rated<br />
and above appliances, unless extenuating circumstances<br />
make alternatives a better investment option. Where<br />
possible settings will be put in place to turn off<br />
equipment when not in use to minimise “standby use”.<br />
Through our partnerships and engagement strand,<br />
we will work with local communities and businesses<br />
to develop <strong>plan</strong>s to reduce power usage in homes<br />
and businesses across the county.<br />
Whilst the measures above can be adopted to reduce<br />
demand for power, it is anticipated that demand for<br />
power will nevertheless increase over time as transport<br />
and heat become more reliant on electricity.<br />
Energy Generation<br />
While energy efficiency and minimisation of energy<br />
usage is critical it can only go so far in reducing our<br />
emissions. There will always be a requirement for<br />
power to enable Northumberland County Council’s<br />
operation. It is expected that as we electrify our fleet<br />
vehicles and our property’s heat our electricity demand<br />
will increase over time. To offset these emissions, it is<br />
critical that we increase the renewable energy generation<br />
across the county and build on the existing assets we<br />
have to maximise the carbon reductions.<br />
46<br />
<strong>Climate</strong> Change Action Plan <strong>2021</strong>-<strong>23</strong>
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