PERSHORE’S Civic Centre has had an energy efficiency upgrade as part of Wychavon’s efforts to cut its carbon footprint.
All 410 windows at the Queen Elizabeth Way building have been replaced with the latest triple glazed technology. They use toughened low-emissivity glass with argon filled gas which improves thermal resistance and helps prevent heat loss.
The Building Management System control panel has also been upgraded to make the heating system more efficient. This will allow heating to be controlled remotely, reducing the amount of energy used.
As well as saving money on energy bills the work is expected to reduce the building’s annual carbon emissions by about 28 tonnes.
The work is part of Wychavon’s Intelligently Green Plan which sets out how the council will cut its carbon emissions by 75 per cent by 2030 and a 50 per cent reduction in the district’s carbon footprint by the same date.
It cost almost £515,000 and was partly funded by a £417,000 grant from the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme, which provides money to public sector organisations to reduce energy use and invest in renewable technology.
Other businesses are being urged to apply for funding to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions.
Coun Tony Rowley, executive board member for Climate Change, Environmental Policy and Regulatory Services, said: “This work will make a good contribution to our efforts to cut our carbon emissions. Funding is available for businesses to help them cut their energy bills and support the fight against climate change.
Nathan Swenson, commercial sales manager for Joedan Commercial Division who carried out the installation, said: “Replacing all the timber windows with powder coated aluminium not only makes the building look great and meets green credentials, but dramatically lessens the maintenance too.”
The Business Energy Efficiency Programme provides grants of up to £20,000 for projects including installing LED lighting, heating and insulation systems and heat recovery.
The Low Carbon Opportunities Fund provides grants of up to £100,000 to help small and medium-sized businesses install renewable energy systems.
The Zero Carbon Ready Worcestershire programme offers a range of support including free advice and assessments, training and smart meters. Applications must be made before 31 October 2022.
Information on all these schemes, as well as other available funding, can be found at www.wychavon.gov.uk/business under the funding and support button.
