Manchester City Council Delivers Long-term Energy Savings – Local Partnerships Manchester City Council Delivers Long-term Energy Savings – Local Partnerships

Manchester City Council Delivers Long-term Energy Savings

Local Government
Manchester City Council Delivers Long-term Energy Savings

Manchester City Council’s Re:fit initiative aims for carbon neutrality by 2038, cutting 1,416 tonnes of CO2 annually through energy savings and renewable generation.

Manchester City Council will significantly reduce its energy consumption while boosting renewables generation through the Re:fit scheme. The initiative will deliver long-term carbon, energy, and cost savings, supporting the Council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2038

The Challenge:

As the authority servicing the UK’s third largest city, with 11 sites across 190,000 square metres, Manchester City Council (the Council) is leading the public sector in their commitment to meeting climate change commitments, and in ensuring their community plays its part. To achieve Greater Manchester’s target of zero-carbon by 2038, the Council implemented the Re:fit scheme, which aims to make substantial reductions in energy consumption. Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users of the framework nationwide.

The Solution:

Significant energy efficiency opportunities were identified across the Council’s 11 sites, including the central library, leisure centres, sports and fitness centres, and other public council facilities. A comprehensive suite of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) were delivered with works including:

  • Installation of 8,500 LED fittings and lighting controls.
  • Optimisation of Building Management System.  
  • Upgrades to boiler plus optimisation.
  • Variable Speed Drive optimisation.
  • Installation of a 4 MW roof-mounted Solar PV.
  • Upgrades to aging energy infrastructure including transformer and heating controls.
  • Installation of a 125 kW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit.
  • Enhancements to pipework and insulation.

The Impact:

Manchester City Council’s environmental footprint has been reduced annually by 1,416 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to energy savings of 3.5 GWh, supporting the drive toward net zero carbon by 2038.

Upgrades, including optimising existing equipment to improve comfort levels for building occupants, modernised the Council’s energy infrastructure, delivering long-term carbon, energy, and cost savings across its estate, while making optimal use of Council funding. 

On-site generation of renewable energy was also implemented, consisting of combined heat and power, and solar PV, which resulted in a 5+ MW renewable generation capacity and an annual £750,000 in financial savings.

The Re:fit framework is helping Manchester City Council address our 2038 Carbon Net Zero Target.

Philip Owen, Carbon Reduction Programme Manager, Manchester City Council

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