READING Borough Council has announced that government funding has been secured to undergo decarbonisation studies in council sites.
Funding totalling £127,000 has been given to the council so that they can begin feasibility studies on sites including the Town Hall, as well as smaller sites.
The Town Hall is currently the last major council building with no current plans to reduce the carbon output of the site.
Works are already under way to replace gas boilers used for heating and hot water at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street with air source heat pumps. The ageing and inefficient air-cooling system is also being replaced. Work is also under way on a project to replace the old heating system at the Hexagon Theatre.
Plans to make Bennet Road a net-zero depot are progressing, with plans for electric refuse collection vehicles, air source heat pumps, solar panels on the roof of the office building, and further solar panels on site.
All three projects are in line with the town’s and Council’s ambitions for Reading to become a net zero borough.
The Council has now secured £127,000 from Phase 5 of the Low Carbon Skills Fund.
The funding is provided by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “The Council is already making great progress with decarbonising its major buildings, including the Civic Offices and Bennet Road depot.
“This funding will allow us to look at the work needed to decarbonise one of the town’s best loved and most iconic buildings–The Town Hall is an old building which is costly to run and is also the Council’s last major property which has not been decarbonised.
“I hope the results of the study will allow us to submit successful bids for further funding in the future to help Reading meet its ambitious targets to be net-zero.”
“It is essential the Council is seen to be leading the way in taking climate action which will not only save council tax payers money but will cut emissions and help create a healthier environment for Reading residents.
“We would encourage other major organisations with properties in Reading to follow suit.”
Salix programme manager Christopher Masters said:
“It’s inspiring to think that this funding will make a difference to such an iconic local building such as the Town Hall.
“We are looking forward to supporting Reading Borough Council as it makes this important step in its net zero journey.
“The heat decarbonisation plan is such an important part of this ambition.”
