Environment is one of Essex County Council (ECC)'s four strategic aims, as stated in the Everyone's Essex plan to level up the county. As part of this plan, ECC intends to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its estate.
One of the buildings requiring energy efficiency improvements was the Essex Record Office (ERO) in Chelmsford. The ERO plays a crucial role in preserving and providing access to historical records, archives, and documents about Essex. It is a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and the general public, offering access to its public searchroom through a database called Essex Archives Online. It is a vast space to power, heat and light, so improvements were necessary to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency and environmental performance.
Before May 2023, the Essex Record Office's building had a DEC rating of F, with a score of 134, indicating inefficient energy usage. The DEC rating is a crucial indicator of a building's energy efficiency and environmental performance, and a typical score for public buildings is 100, corresponding to an operational rating of D.
Solar Panel Installation
ERO's first significant step towards improving its energy efficiency was to install solar panels on the building's roof. Solar panels harness solar energy to generate electricity, reducing the reliance on power from the grid. Much of which could be generated from non-renewable energy sources. The solar panel installation was completed in 2021 and has a capacity of 118 kWh. The total CO2 savings since installation are 43.42t, equivalent to the CO2 savings from planting 1,113 trees. In 2022, the solar panels provided almost 40% of ERO's electrical energy needs, and to date, in 2023, that number has risen to 45%.
Results and Impact of Solar Panels
The installation of solar panels has positively impacted ERO's DEC rating, which now stands at B and surpasses the typical rating of D for a public building. These improvements show Essex County Council's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and serving as a model for sustainable practices in the public sector.
Further Planned Enhancements
ERO's journey toward enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability will continue with further improvements still to be completed:
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps, which use thermal energy from the air or ground and convert this energy for heating and hot water, are currently being installed at the ERO. Heat pumps are significantly more efficient and carbon-friendly than traditional boilers that use oil or liquid petroleum gas.
- LED Lighting: ERO also intends to replace all conventional lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the building. LED lighting not only reduces energy consumption but also provides improved lighting quality.
As ERO proceeds with the installation of heat pumps and LED lighting, it is poised to achieve even greater energy efficiency and sustainability. The Essex Record Office is an inspiring example of how strategic investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies can lead to substantial improvements in building performance and environmental responsibility.