The SCTS has met its ambitious, five year target to reduce energy consumption by 25%, following a strong sustainability programme.
In 2010, the organisation set a tough and ambitious, energy reduction target which we have now reached. This means that we will retain our internationally recognised Carbon Trust Standard accreditation for another two years.
“We set ourselves a very challenging, five year target and I am proud to say that we have achieved it," said SCTS Chief Finance Officer Richard Maconachie. "It took a good deal of innovation and forward thinking from our team. Our investment has paid off in the savings that we now see, not only saving money that can be better spent elsewhere, but helping to protect our environment for future generations.”
Recent sustainability measures include:
- installing photo voltaic (PV) panels in more sites
- replacing fluorescent lighting with LED lighting
- improvements to our control and building management systems
- high efficiency electric motors on pumps and ventilation systems
- improved insulation
- enhanced secondary/double glazing
- reduction, or replacement of portable heaters with energy efficient models
Solar Panels
The use of solar energy has helped to cut our carbon emissions and we now have panels in Glasgow and Falkirk Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts. A large, 97 kilowatt array was installed in the Glasgow Court in 2008 and has saved an average of 65,000 KWh per year.
A 49 kilowatt array of panels has been in use in Falkirk since May last year and, in that time, has reduced the Court’s electricity consumption by over 35,000 kilowatt hours. On top of that, the system has exported 10,000 kilowatt hours to the national grid - mainly at weekends. Even during our current colder months the system reduces demand from the grid significantly. On consistently sunny days, it takes it down to zero.
Further PV installations are being planned in Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Paisley subject to consent from the relevant planning authorities and available funding.