Maidenhead & Windsor

An ambitious new energy-saving programme agreed by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough not only aims to cut the council's carbon footprint by 25% over the next five years but is also likely to bring good news for council taxpayers with savings of around £1 million*.

A detailed action plan, agreed by Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet on Thursday April 24, sets out 33 projects that will enable the borough to take a local lead in tackling climate change.

The projects include no and low-cost initiatives such as installing timer switches on vending machines and occupancy sensors on lighting, to longer-term plans for renewable energy systems like solar water heating and ground source heat pumps.

The programme and implementation plan has been drawn up in partnership with the Carbon Management Trust – the government funded organisation that helps businesses cut carbon emissions – and it means the council will be able to apply for grant funding to help finance a number of its projects.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for strategy who presented the report to cabinet, said it demonstrated the council's dedication to reducing carbon emissions.

She said: "There is no bigger challenge to all of us these days, and as a community leader the council is determined to set a good example. We must ensure our own house is in order if we are to encourage our residents to cut carbon emissions in their homes.

"This is an ambitious and exciting programme that will not only be good for the environment but will result in significant financial savings, which is very good news for local taxpayers as the council continues to work hard to maintain low council tax increases in future years."

Cllr Paul Etherington, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead sustainability panel, said: "The council is already working to reduce carbon emissions but we want to improve energy efficiency even further throughout the entire organisation – in our buildings, vehicles, street lighting and waste collections. We have started a campaign across all services to raise staff awareness about the importance of switching off lights, PCs and other equipment when not in use and we are already seeing the seeds of change beginning to blossom.

"I am confident this programme will bring about improvements to be proud of and be an inspiration to others in our community to follow suit."

*The gross predicted savings are set to be £3.25 million as a result of council investment of £2.2 million. However, if the Royal Borough did nothing to reduce its carbon emissions over the five year period the cost to the council would be more than £5 million – so by making the investment the council should turn a £5 million 'loss' into a £1 million saving.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead