Devon outlines ‘green makeover’ for council buildings

A £3.3 million ‘retrofit’ scheme from Devon County Council will cut carbon emissions and reduce energy use in several key buildings in the region.

Covering buildings in Exeter, Barnstaple, Tavistock and Honiton, the buildings’ insulation will be improved and solar panels and air source heat pumps will be installed along with mechanical ventilation that recovers heat and LED lighting.

The council won £2.1 million funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and has separately committed to contribute £1.1 million towards the work.

Andrea Davis, cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “We’ve pledged to be net zero carbon by 2030 and this will make a significant contribution to fulfilling that pledge. This is a win-win proposal. Not only will it help cut our carbon emissions but it will save council taxpayers’ money.

“Better insulated buildings require less energy and we can generate electricity from the solar panels. There’s a lot of criticism of politicians for making ‘hollow’ promises but we are taking action across Devon to make sure we keep our promises and this is part of an accelerating programme to tackle climate change on a local scale.”