Decarbonisation Work Begins At Council Buildings

Work has begun at three East Riding of Yorkshire Council sites to decarbonise the buildings following the award of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) funding. 

Phase 1 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) provided £1 billion in grants, reflecting the public sector’s role in meeting the Government’s net-zero commitment by 2050. The Council was successful in receiving £1.9 million of funding from this scheme.

Contractor William Birch & Sons Ltd has been awarded a £1.5 million contract to decarbonise Bridlington Spa, Beverley-based Annie Reed Road Depot and County Hall. A further £400k has been spent on project support, delivery, and design by external consultancy AECOM.

William Birch’s portfolio spans construction, refurbishment, and restoration projects with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

The Beverley Depot will be benefitting from air source heat pumps to reduce the reliance on gas-fired boilers for both heating and hot water.

County Hall will also gain air source heat pumps to reduce the reliance on gas-fired boilers for both heating and hot water. Plans are also in place for the installation of energy-efficient windows, replacement energy-efficient hand dryers and the installation of flow restrictors to hand wash taps to reduce water consumption.

Bridlington Spa will see air source heat pumps installed and replacement energy efficient windows and upgrading to energy efficient air conditioning units

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which will be delivered by Salix, with the aim of supporting the UK’s economic recovery from COVID-19, supporting up to 30,000 jobs in the low carbon and energy efficiency sectors.

Councillor Claire Holmes, portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure and housing at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“The decarbonisation of heat within existing council buildings is a significant challenge.

“The award of these three projects represents an important step towards addressing this issue within public buildings and realising East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s net-zero ambitions. Work is already well underway as we look to move into a more sustainable future for the council’s buildings.”