Craven District Council’s Policy Committee has agreed to progress a £1.2 million project to install solar panels and other energy efficiency measures in Council buildings.

If full Council approves the decision at its meeting on August 5, the Council will submit a grant application to the European Regional Development Fund to part-fund the scheme.

The Council is proposing to install renewable energy solutions and carbon reduction measures in Aireview House, Belle Vue Square, Craven Leisure, Skipton Crematorium, Skipton Town Hall and the Waste Management Depot. This project will save 330 tonnes of C02 emissions year on year.

The project will also include installing renewable energy solutions in 28 Yorkshire Housing properties, funded by Yorkshire Housing, on the Greatwood and Horse Close estate and the Economic Development Otley Street centre project.

Councillor Carl Lis, Craven District Council’s Lead Member for Greener Craven, said: “Whilst understandably our attention recently has been taken up with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly on our local economy, we cannot ignore our responsibilities in supporting a greener and more sustainable future.

“This offers a unique opportunity for the council to access substantial external funding to achieve the net zero carbon target it has set itself by 2030.

“If the recommendations are approved and the bid is successful, it will see the council introduce a range of renewable energy solutions across its operational buildings. As a step towards achieving a sustainable future, these measures are invaluable.”

Craven District Council has set a target of working towards net zero carbon by 2030.

This project has been developed by a low carbon specialist, based on energy reviews of the main CDC buildings.

It includes the installation of over 2000m2 of solar panels across Craven District Council buildings, and a renewable heat pump system for pool water and space heating at Craven Leisure.

Energy efficiency measures in buildings including heat recovery, insulation and building management will also be improved, and online monitoring of carbon emissions for Council buildings will be introduced.

The Policy Committee met on July 28 and approved the submission of a grant application to the European Regional Development Fund, in support of the Council’s Climate Emergency Strategic Plan.

The committee also approved a supplementary capital estimate of £375,700 in match funding.