In February 2021, Westminster City Council was awarded a £13million grant via the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The first phase of the partnership, which is being delivered through the Retrofit Accelerator Framework, will see energy conservation measures installed in up to 70 buildings including schools, leisure centres, libraries and commercial premises, and the improvements will save around 1,700 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency. The contract with Vital Energi is one of a number of practical steps being taken to meet its ambitious targets to become a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero city by 2040.
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The work has involved a comprehensive energy audit on the council's property portfolio and has identified a range of energy conservation and energy generating measures which will, not only reduce emissions, but also deliver a future reduced carbon footprint for the Council.
The works will deliver energy efficient upgrades to the lighting, heating, ventilation and BMS systems within Westminster City Council buildings as well as harnessing the latest renewable technologies such as solar PV and air source heat pumps.
Councillor Paul Swaddle, Cabinet Member for Finance and Smart City at Westminster City Council commented: "We are committed to tackling the climate emergency and ensuring we create a sustainable economy for the future of Westminster.
"Large cities like London are among the biggest emitters of carbon, and Westminster’s location at the centre of the capital means we can play a significant role in cutting emissions. Around 86% of Westminster's total emissions comes from buildings. That’s why we are proud to work with our partners, Vital Energi, to modernise and decarbonise the council’s offices, leisure centres and libraries using the latest technology.
"By working together, we can build a greener and cleaner Westminster for everyone who visits, works and lives in our city."
