Cutting energy bills in community buildings

Early in 2023 we carried out energy audits on three community-use buildings.  These demonstrated the opportunities to cut energy bills and their carbon footprint.

The Senior Citizens Club assessment identified several possible measures which would significantly reduce bills. It was difficult to change heating times to fit the varying times of use so that sometimes heating was on unnecessarily.  Loft insulation was shallow and not up to current recommendations. LED lighting would reduce bills substantially.  And it appeared that the cavity wall might not have insulation. Overall it was estimated that the recommended measures would pay for themselves within 4 years, and could save 1.7 t CO2 per year.   As a result of the report, the club has actioned measures including a better heating control system and LED lighting.  The Climate Action Group is sourcing grant support to help with further measures. 

The Parish Council Offices are older and more complicated in shape. The assessment highlighted that more loft insulation, and tighter targeting of heating times to occupancy times, could substantially reduce heating bills at modest cost.  The council had already installed LED lighting, and has changed the heating timing controls.  The potential for rooftop solar is now being assessed. 

Our beautiful Community Library presents trickier problems.  The high main chamber, with its huge ornate windows, no roof insulation and solid brick walls, loses a lot of heat. But this is a listed building, and it is difficult to insulate without spoiling its appearance or damaging historic structures.  A previous assessment by South Staffordshire council, showed that electricity consumption had been falling, and LED lighting is being adopted. The findings have been discussed with the library service, but for the moment no actions have been decided.