Rescue service on the way to net zero thanks to grant

A ‘fantastic opportunity’ to fund vital heat decarbonisation works has paid off for a busy fire and rescue service.

In 2020, Avon Fire and Rescue Service set itself the sector-leading goal of net zero emissions by 2030.

To achieve this goal, it looked to Salix and the Government grant funding available through Phase 1 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

This grant is designed to help public sector bodies upgrade their heating systems to be cleaner, cheaper, and powered by renewable energy.

As a vital public service, Avon Fire and Rescue felt it was important to lead by example in the nation’s fight against climate change. It now has buildings that are more comfortable to use as well as boasting impressive carbon and energy savings.

However, with buildings still operating from electrical infrastructure dating back to the 1960s, the emergency service required much guidance and support to achieve its goals that is can showcase today.

Securing a £823,700 grant from Phase 1 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has enabled it to upgrade a range of measures across twelve fire stations as well as its control and technical centres.

The project focused on improving the most carbon intensive sites across the estate, which included outdated building fabric and heating systems.  The service introduced a range of energy efficient technologies including air source heat pumps (ASHP), solar PV, solar thermal and LED lighting, insulation, and a Building Management System.

This helped reduce heat demand and improved the efficiency of the buildings. It also eliminated the use of oil completely from the remaining oil-heated site.

As a result, it has been able to save 89 tonnes of carbon and £75,000 in energy costs per year.

Annabel Harford, environmental manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said: “These projects will deliver a seven per cent annual reduction of our total Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions and will help generate £75,000 savings as our reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy decreases.

“As a fire and rescue service we have a long way to go in fully decarbonising our vehicles and stations.

“The grant provided us with a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the decarbonisation of our buildings as a key step towards achieving our Net Zero by 2030 goal."

Avon Fire & Rescue Service provides emergency and protection services to the communities of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

November 2023

*tonnes of Carbon Dioxide, calculated using Green Book emissions factors for electricity published by the government.