Energy management
Energy management and the use of renewable sources of power are increasingly significant issues as the impacts of climate change become apparent.
Burning fossil fuels produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Unless these processes are brought under control severe impacts are likely. They include major changes to weather patterns and the loss of habitats. Reducing the use of fossil fuels and replacing them with low or no emission, renewable sources of energy plays a key role in tackling climate change.
Glasgow City Council takes these issues very seriously and the Environmental Project team has a remit to promote energy management through:
- minimising energy consumption within its own buildings
- promoting energy efficient design in new and refurbished buildings within its ownership and across the City
- promoting renewable energy development within Glasgow
Energy Efficiency
The use of buildings is responsible for the consumption of over half of all the energy used in developed countries and for producing over half of all climate changing gases.
To tackle this problem, it is vital that ways are found to reduce the amount of energy used by buildings.
Greater levels of energy efficiency in buildings will:
- help to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by reducing consumption of power
- make a significant difference to quality of life, health and material standard of living, especially in the poorest households
Renewable Energy
Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource that will eventually become too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve.
By Contrast, renewable energy resources, such as wind, the sun or water are constantly replenished.
Despite Glasgow's urban nature, potential exists for renewable energy generation particularly through small-scale wind, hydro and geothermal projects. Renewable energy projects also offer opportunities for economic development in Glasgow, through the manufacture of new technologies and in job creation. Some types of project may also offer benefits to the communities within which they are situated through the provision of low cost heat and power.
Some examples of the type project under consideration in Glasgow are:
- wind projects such as the development of buildings integrated wind turbines
- investigation/trial of alternative vehicle fuels from renewable sources
In response to the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, the City Council has developed an Energy Strategy for Glasgow Housing.
If you require further information or assistance please contact:
Development & Regeneration Services
Sustainable Development
Exchange House
229 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1QU
Phone: 0141 287 8653
Fax: 0141 287 7237
E-mail: fiona.roche@drs.glasgow.gov.uk