ENERGY saving measures – on street lights and traffic bollards – will save Warrington Borough Council more than £60,000 a year.
The changes will save more than 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – which officers say is equivalent to the average emissions of more than 40 Warrington residents.
As part of its bid to reduce energy consumption, the borough council has been updating bollards and street lighting.
Coun Mike Biggin, executive member for climate change and public protection, said: “The council is committed to reducing carbon emissions, and we’re placing particular emphasis on it this year as part of the 10:10 initiative.
“The replacing of the street lights and bollards will also reduce our energy bills at a time when we’re focussing on value for money.”
During the first phase of work more than 500 standard bollards have been replaced with the latest solar powered or non-lit versions, and more than 1,000 sign lights have been modified to use LED light sources. Some older street lights have also been modified to update them to new, energy efficient lamps.
The improvements are being funded by a £150,000 interest-free loan from Salix Finance, a company that funds energy efficiency projects in the public sector, with matched funding from the council.
Coun Alan Litton, executive member for environment and transport, said: “This is a really worthwhile investment, because the savings on our energy bills alone will pay back our costs in less than five years.
“The new fittings also need less maintenance than the older ones, which will save even more in the future. But even better, we’ve had a great response from members of the public who appreciate the changes we’ve made.”
Pictured: Coun Mike Biggin with one of the new bollards.
