Car Parks In Cambridge Light The Way To Reducing Carbon And Saving Money

A RECENTLY completed project to install new lighting at two multi-storey car parks is playing a part in helping to reduce energy from Cambridge City Council buildings.

A RECENTLY completed project to install new lighting at two multi-storey car parks is playing a part in helping to reduce energy from Cambridge City Council buildings.

In the first project to be undertaken as part of the council’s new Carbon Management Plan (2016-21), old lighting at the council-run Grand Arcade and Grafton East car parks has now been replaced with low-energy LED lighting. The new lighting will significantly reduce the energy consumption from the car parks.

Motion and light sensors will add to the savings. These were also installed at the car parks to turn off lighting when there is sufficient daylight or no recent movement detected.

In total the project is expected to reduce energy consumption at the car parks by over 40%, reducing the council’s carbon emissions by approximately 280 tonnes of carbon every year.

The project has been delivered through an Energy Performance Contract which means that the estimated annual savings for the project, of £46,000, are guaranteed to be achieved by the council’s delivery partner on the project, Bouygues Energies & Services.

Cllr Richard Robertson, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, commented: “We are committed to continued investment in the car parks we run - the installation of low energy lighting will save money and also reduce energy use. It will go a long way to helping us to reach our target of reducing carbon emissions by 15% by 2021.”

“The council is working to reduce carbon emissions from our buildings and vehicles and we are making significant investments in low carbon technologies to achieve this. We would also encourage all businesses in Cambridge to find out how they can help reduce the carbon footprint of the city and save themselves money. Businesses can find out more by visiting www.cambridge.gov.uk/sustainability.”

Miles Messenger, Energy Project Manager for Bouygues Energies & Services said: “This project demonstrates the potential for significant energy and cost savings to be delivered in facilities that we use every day, without causing any noticeable change in the quality of service, or disruption during implementation. We are proud to work with such a prestigious client, local contractors and technological specialists in the delivery of this exciting project.”