North Lanarkshire's Path to Net Zero (2045)
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Corporate Estate Energy Policy
Our Energy Policy helps ensure our buildings are heated and operated efficiently, providing comfortable environments for staff and service users while reducing energy waste, lowering carbon emissions and supporting our journey to Net Zero by 2045.
Summary
We are committed to reducing the carbon emissions produced by our operations and achieving Net Zero by 2045. Energy used to heat and power our buildings currently represents the largest source of operational emissions, making efficient energy management a key priority.
The Energy Policy sets out how heating and energy use will be managed across our buildings to provide comfortable working environments while reducing energy waste, lowering carbon emissions and supporting sustainable service delivery.
The policy applies to operational buildings such as offices and schools as well as other public buildings managed by, or on behalf of, us.
Supporting Net Zero
The policy supports the Path to Net Zero (2045), the wider Plan for North Lanarkshire and our "Sustainable Futures" priority.
Efficient Heating and Building Management
We will continue to improve our energy management by ensuring:
- heating systems are operated to balance comfort, operational needs and energy efficiency
- standard heating schedules are used across the estate, with flexibility to respond to weather conditions and operational requirements
- recommended occupied temperature settings are generally maintained at 21°C
- heating controls are monitored and adjusted through the Building Energy Management System (BEMS) where available
Flexible Approach Where Needed
Recognising that some facilities have specialist requirements, the policy allows exceptions for certain environments, including:
- integrated care settings
- leisure facilities and swimming pools
- family learning centres and nurseries
- buildings occupied by vulnerable people
- community facilities with extended opening hours
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
We will continue to develop our response to our energy management and will:
- monitor energy consumption and building performance
- review heating schedules and system settings
- carry out site audits
- deliver energy efficiency improvement projects
- promote energy awareness across the organisation
- regularly review the policy to ensure it continues to support operational needs and Net Zero objectives
