Westminster Council Harnesses Renewable Technology
Westminster City Council is leveraging renewable technologies through the Re:fit framework to significantly reduce carbon emissions and achieve its 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
Westminster City Council is revolutionising the way it generates and consumes energy by applying the Re:fit framework. Harnessing renewable technologies including solar PV and air source heat pumps, the Council will significantly lower its carbon emissions.
The Challenge:
Serving a population of approximately 205,100 (2024 data), Westminster City Council is leading the way in sustainable transformation for the City of Westminster. The Council has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, part of Westminster’s overall commitment to become carbon neutral by 2040. Key to achieving this is the Re:fit framework which supports the Council to meet these ambitious targets. Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users of the framework nationwide outside London.
Westminster City Council initially planned a smaller-scale project that covered 20 buildings. However, after securing £13 million in funding, the scope expanded to 70 buildings, with 61 selected for upgrades. Despite the increased scale, the project needed to be completed within the original timeline to meet funding requirements.
The proposal involved surveying all buildings within scope, then identifying the most effective carbon reduction measures. Due to the tight timescale, the approach was phased, starting with ‘quick wins’ before approaching more complex technologies later in the programme.
A further challenge was that all buildings included in the Re:fit were actively in use, with some open 24/7. The delivery team worked closely with staff and on-site personnel to minimise disruption while maintaining high standards of health and safety. All buildings had varying energy needs, so individual, bespoke solutions were created.
Due to the built-up nature of London, land for a ground mounted solar installation was unavailable. Instead, 12 sites were identified to install rooftop solar PV. Challenges included installing fixed scaffold installations in pedestrianised areas and re-roofing some areas to allow safe roof access. Additionally, temporary and permanent ‘man safe’ roof access systems and handrails were installed. Road closures were also managed safely to support the works when necessary.
The Solution:
The works undertaken fit into three main categories; energy generation, energy distribution and energy conservation. They include:
- Installation of 1,700 kw air source heat pumps, ranging from 20kw to 600kw.
- Insulation of boiler rooms across 26 sites.
- Upgrades to 46 electric fans across two sites.
- Installation of 1,649 rooftop solar panels across 12 buildings.
- Improvements to Building Management System and Control across 20 buildings.
- Draught proofing.
- Upgrades or installation of 11,000+ LED lights across 50 sites.
- Upgrades to Distribution Network Operator power infrastructure, including new substation.
The Impact:
Overall, the project will achieve a yearly reduction of 1,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions through 135 separate initiatives across 61 buildings. Due to the implemented works, Westminster Council exceeded their ambitious target of delivering each tonne of carbon reduction for a set price by 5%.
Key to this success was delivering lighting and fan upgrades early in the programme, which began saving carbon as soon as installed. These upgrades deliver over 7% of the project’s yearly guaranteed carbon savings, with financial returns approaching £200,000 per year.
In addition, the newly installed pipework guarantees a reduction of 108 tonnes of carbon per year, and the rooftop solar panels generate 660 kWp of electricity. The largest portion of decarbonisation comes from the heat pumps, which account for almost 73% of all guaranteed carbon reductions.
Our net zero target of 2030 is rapidly approaching, and we need to deliver meaningful change. The ability to deliver impactful, carbon reduction swiftly is essential, and local authorities need to create more dynamic systems of governance to be able to fully take advantage of funding opportunities such as Public Sector Decarbonisation Schemes. By getting the right partner and complementing each other’s strengths I feel we have achieved the ideal outcome for any partnership.
Claire Barrett, Westminster Council, Director of Property & Strategic Asset Management
Links:
Related Articles
See how councils and communities are working together
Contact Local Partnerships
Talk to Us
