Setting an example
When the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was formed in 2008, its first priority was to set an example by improving its own efficiency. Through a Carbon Management plan implemented with the help of the Carbon Trust, the department has made changes expected to lead to annual savings of £74,000.
In a year DECC has reduced per capita CO2 emissions in the building by 35%, and is on track to reduce overall emissions by 10% by the end of 2009/10 financial year.
Changes include centralised control of the heating, cooling and ventilation systems, replacement of lighting with compact fluorescents, and greater monitoring of energy consumption.
DECC's most significant savings have resulted from what have been described as "low visibility" measures.
Savings at a glance:
- Estimated annual savings: £74,000
- Estimated CO2 savings: 327 tonnes
- Cost: £81,000
- Payback: 1.1 years
Download the full DECC case study (PDF)