Ten council-owned buildings in Somerset will be overhauled to reduce their energy use as part of a wider effort to combat climate change.

South Somerset District Council declared a climate emergency in May 2019, pledging to take a series of actions to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

The council has partnered with ENGIE to carry out “energy audits” on the buildings it owns (including its Yeovil headquarters) which consume the largest amount of energy annually.

The company will then recommend changes that need to be made – such as installing solar panels or better insulation – to ensure the council meets its climate change commitments.

The ten council-owned buildings which will be part of the “energy audit” are:

  • Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil
  • South Somerset District Council headquarters, Brympton Way, Yeovil
  • The Octagon Theatre, Hendford, Yeovil
  • Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Yeovil
  • Lufton depot, 7 Artillery Road, Yeovil
  • Yeovil crematorium, Bunford Lane, Yeovil (excluding cremation ovens)
  • Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, Chard
  • The Jon O’Donnell Pavilion, Yeovil Recreation Centre, Chilton Grove, Yeovil
  • Petters House, Petters Way, Yeovil
  • Yeovil Country Park Centre, Brunswick Street, Yeovil

Councillor Sarah Dyke, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We have already implemented a wide range of carbon-saving initiatives across building management, transportation, waste management and environmental protection.

“Taking the strategy to the next level requires expert input and we were very impressed with ENGIE’s carbon-saving credentials.”

Stuart Denton-Brown, energy services director at ENGIE, added: “Developing a clear roadmap for achieving carbon-reduction targets is the first step in supporting the council in realising their net zero carbon ambitions.

“We are already involved in such initiatives with a number of other local authorities, so we can be confident we have the depth and breadth of services and experience to help the council achieve its goals.”