In 2017 and 2018 Calderdale Council took steps to cut carbon emissions from its buildings, through Phases 1 and 2 of its “Re:FIT” programme to reduce energy use and costs in some of its most energy-guzzling buildings.Phase 1 in 2017 included upgrading LED lighting, replacing inefficient boilers, improving control of heating systems and installing electricity-generating solar panels on the roofs of the MBI Shay Stadium, Lower Edge Day Centre, Park Wood Crematorium and the fitness centres in Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse.

This allowed  the Council to make energy savings of £156,000 a year and an 843-tonne annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

It was carried out through an Energy Performance Contract between the Council and SSE Enterprise Energy Solutions, brokered by public sector support agency Local Partnerships under the national RE:FIT framework.

Apparently suppliers on the framework have shown excellence in providing energy efficiency and generation measures. It’s not clear whether local companies have been included in the supply chain.

Phase 2 in 2018/19 aims to achieve further reductions of about £113,000 and 328 tonnes of CO2 annually. This would involve investment in energy-saving measures in another 14 Council buildings over the year, as part of the Energy Performance Contract.

Hebden Bridge Library

Buildings in Phase 2 include Bankfield Museum, Shibden Hall, Hebden Bridge Library, Mixenden Outdoor Centre and Todmorden Market. Proposed energy-saving measures include LED lighting upgrades, boiler replacements and solar panels.