Turning On to Turning Off

How to Save Energy and Water

Save Energy The Council is experiencing substantial price increases for electricity, gas and water, placing pressure on budgets. Making sure that lights and equipment are switched off can help save money, cut down on the amount of fossil fuels we use and reduce air pollution.

The Clackmannanshire Council Energy Policy

Clackmannanshire Council has an Energy Policy for Public Buildings and an Energy Officer. You can view the Energy Policy here.

The following includes tips from the Council's Energy Policy for Public Buildings:

Heating

Heating is one of the greatest areas of energy cost for the Council. Use these tips to cut down on heating costs:

Ensure temperatures are set at no more than 19°C in office and teaching areas. Thermostatic radiator valves should be left at position 2-3, and they will modulate to maintain comfort levels.
Keep doors and windows closed while heating is on. Open doors and windows allow heated air to escape and cold air to come in.
Ensure radiators are not blocked with furniture, this affects the heat available to the room.
Avoid heating unused spaces such as corridors and storerooms. These areas should be set to a lower temperature.
Make sure that changes in building occupation hours are updated within the controls. Buildings may being heated during periods they are no longer occupied.
Report any factors which affect comfort levels such as draughty windows and doors. A simple repair could save energy and improve user comfort.

Lighting

Make sure that if you're the last one out you turn off the lights and switch off lights that aren't needed, including stores and unoccupied areas. Make the most of daylight - can you save energy and enjoy natural light by opening the blinds and turning off the lights? Fit labels on switches so that people know which switches operate which lights, and only switch on the lights you need.

Switch off lights in empty rooms. It is a popular myth that it is cheaper to leave a light on.
Use daylight where possible. It's free and more pleasant than artificial light.
Only use required lights. For example a teacher working alone in a classroom may only require the row of lights above her desk.
Use low wattage lights. Slim line fluorescent tubes can often be used as direct replacements for older tubes, and use 25% less electricity. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 80% less energy than a tungsten bulb and less ten times longer.
Ensure outside lights are only on when required.
Report faulty lighting - flickering lights use more energy and contribute to "sick building syndrome".

Electrical Equipment

Although each item of electrical equipment may only use a little energy it all adds up. Check that all your electrical equipment, including computers, printers and photocopiers, are switched off before you go home or if leaving the office for an hour or more. Equipment left on standby still uses energy - so remember to turn it off. If you won't be using your computer for a while, switch off the VDU - two-thirds of the energy used by a computer and screen is used by the screen. Screen savers save screens not energy.

Switch computers off when not required. Even switching a monitor off over tea and lunch break prevents excessive heat build up in a room.
Don't leave equipment on standby mode. They continue to us up to 70% of normal power consumption at no use.
Purchase energy efficiency rated equipment when replacing items.
Ensure in built energy saving software is activated. A screen saver is not a power saver.

Save Water

Unlike at home, the Council is metered for the use of water, and so every cubic metre is charged. If hot water is wasted, there is a compound cost in terms of both water and energy. Help to save water ...

Report dripping taps. Each cubic meter of water costs nearly £2.
Report leaks or suspected leaks.
Ensure water temperatures are set correctly - report water that is too hot. Water should be heated to 60°C to protect against legionella. Water at hand washing sinks should ideally be blended to 43°C.
Minimise water use and turn taps off as soon as possible after use.