To approve allocation of existing capital maintenance funding to support the delivery of energy efficiency measures at Elgar House, Blueschool House and No 8 St Owen Street.

The capital programme includes provision of some £2.5m in 2018/19 for capital maintenance works on council owned property; of this £111k remains uncommitted. The proposed investment of £83k will support installation of lighting controls and low energy lighting at three council buildings to improve energy efficiency, and enable the council to use European grant funding to support some of the works.

That:

(a)  £83k of the approved, but un-committed 2018/19 capital maintenance funding is re-allocated to:

1.    to fund the  installation of enhanced lighting controls at Elgar House,

2.    Match fund the installation of enhanced lighting controls at Blueschool House,

3.    Match fund the installation of LED lighting and controls to No 8 St Owen Street,

(b)       the Strategic Property Services Manager be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendations within the approved budget.

1.         Do nothing. This is not recommended as:

a)    Not investing in energy efficiency lighting controls will reduce the council’s ability to deliver its carbon reduction commitments and to minimise energy costs.

b)    Poor lighting can affect the quality of work, be a health hazard, too much or too little light strains eyes and may cause eye discomfort, burning, etc. and headaches resulting in absence.

c)    This will have an impact on the council being able to deliver services or invite potential prosecutions.