Delivering Carmarthenshire Council’s Carbon Net Zero Ambition

Carmarthenshire County Council, is advancing its 2030 net-zero goal, reducing emissions by 675 tonnes and saving £315,000 annually through energy upgrades.

Carmarthenshire County Council is working toward an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. With support from Local Partnerships, the council is implementing a range of energy-saving initiatives across its facilities to drive sustainability forward.

The Challenge:

Carmarthenshire County Council serves a rural population of approximately 187,900 (2021 data) in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The Council offers services in education, planning, transport, social services, and public safety. Its facilities cover 129,643 square metres.

The Council is at the forefront of energy efficiency, and has implemented a range of measures through the Re:fit framework to enhance energy and water efficiency, and boost renewable energy generation. These efforts are key to achieving the Council’s net zero carbon target by 2030. Local Partnerships exclusively provides support to users of the framework nationwide.

The Solution:

Following multiple detailed site visits, in-depth data analysis and discussions with occupants of the buildings in scope, the Council’s estate received significant upgrades to its energy infrastructure. Energy Conservation Measures included solutions and services that encourage long term carbon, energy, and cost savings. These included:

• Replacement LED lighting and lighting controls
• Upgrade and optimisation of Building Management System 
• Improving building fabric 
• Optimising heating, ventilation and A/C including installing variable speed drivers and insulating pipework
• Upgrade and optimisation of boiler/s
• Conserving water, including through a pool cover
• Installation of 467 KW Solar PV, providing renewable energy

The Impact:

The project delivered significant reduction in carbon emissions totalling 675 tonnes annually, and annual energy savings of 2,085,537 kWh. The project is also delivering £315,000 in annual financial savings. 

In addition, comfort levels for staff and building users has been improved, while upgrades to existing infrastructure has optimised performance and extend lifespan. 

Phase 1 is projected to save £315,726 and 675 tonnes of carbon equivalent each year. [We’ve accelerated] the roll-out of our energy efficiency programme in a more comprehensive manner and at a greater pace than could be achieved using limited in-house resources. We look forward to developing further phases to help us become a net zero carbon local authority by 2030.

Anne Davies, Executive Board Member, Carmarthenshire County Council

Links:

Carmarthenshire County Council

Ameresco case study: Carmarthenshire County Council