Richmond Council has taken a bold step towards sustainability with a substantial £7 million grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
This funding, managed by Salix Finance for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is set to revolutionise five key sites in Richmond upon Thames, including Pools on the Park and Orleans House Gallery.
The Council’s commitment to a greener future is further demonstrated by an additional £1.94 million in match funding. This investment will introduce low-carbon heating systems, enhanced insulation, and cutting-edge energy efficiency measures. The expected outcome is a remarkable 82 per cent reduction in energy use and a decrease of 951 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Councillor Robin Brown, lead member for finance and resources, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “This is a fantastic result for Richmond upon Thames and a testament to the hard work of council officers in securing this highly competitive funding. These upgrades will not only cut carbon but also reduce energy costs and future-proof some of our most valued public buildings.”
Such forward-thinking investment is crucial in addressing the climate emergency. Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, chair of the environment, sustainability, culture and sports committee, highlighted the importance of this action: “Tackling the climate emergency requires bold, practical action. This funding allows us to accelerate our transition to net zero, reducing our carbon emissions and making real improvements to community buildings.”
The project aligns with Richmond Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality in operations by 2030 and net zero emissions borough-wide by 2043. Ian Rodger, Salix director of public sector decarbonisation, remarked on the project’s ambition and its role in enhancing community buildings’ energy efficiency.
As works are set to commence later this year, Richmond Council’s initiative stands as a beacon of sustainable progress, ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for its residents.
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