Public Performance Reporting

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Crossraguel. Photo by Claire Maxwell, Ayr CollegeOur carbon footprint (the impact the Council has on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases we produce, measured in units of carbon dioxide) amounts to over 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. This takes into account our emissions from energy use in buildings, waste, vehicles and street lighting.

As well as the significant environmental impact of this, the energy costs involved amount to almost £8m per year. Although most of this is necessary to deliver our services, the Council has committed to reduce this impact, by developing a Climate Change Action Plan.

We will:

  • Achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations.
  • Ensure that greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation measures are incorporated into our new and existing plans and strategies.
  • Work with the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver their Climate Change Programmes.
  • Assess the risks and opportunities for our services and our communities of climate change, and take action to adapt in line with sustainable development principles.
  • Encourage and work with others in our local community to take action to adapt to the impact of climate change, to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to make public their commitments.
  • Publish an annual statement monitoring our progress against our Climate Change Plan.
  • Collaborate with others to promote good practice on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Householders who want to play their own part in becoming more energy efficient and in using renewable energy, can obtain free independent advice by calling the Energy Agency on 0800 512012.