Tuesday 21 January 2014
Local authorities in the oldest recorded town in England saved £787,000 on energy bills over four years by rolling out an energy efficiency drive and revamping public buildings.
Colchester Borough Council cut its carbon footprint by 2,444 tonnes in the process, 133 tonnes more than a target to lower carbon by 25% from 2006-07 levels by 2012.
The fitness pool at Colchester Leisure World (pictured) was refurbished, the cremators at Colchester Crematorium were replaced and the town's Mercury Theatre swapped its roof and windows to improve insulation. Theresa Veith, Executive Director at The Mercury said its carbon footprint dropped by 32%.
Last year the council also began replacing the heating system and putting in insulation and efficient lighting at Colchester Castle.
Councillor Tim Young at Colchester Borough Council said: “There is no greater priority than developing a sustainable future and through targeted investment the Council has already shown it is leading the way with its own buildings, fleet and staff.”