"Green" measures cut fire authority fuel bill by 35%

The measures, recommended in a Carbon Trust report, have cut the authoritty's carbon emmisions from 1,9,83 tonnes a year to 1,844.

But because of the installation of more photocopiers in fire stations, more IT equipment and the installation of uninterrupted power supply gear, electricity consumption has increased by 27%.

The authority was due to be told at a meeting yesterday that further measures are being taken to reduce power consumption including new energy-efficient computer servers.

The latest Carbon Trust report highlights the fact that had the authority work carried out work suggested in a previous survey its energy costs would have been 24,000 higher.

Had electricity consumption not increased the authority would have saved 50,000 a year and offset more of the energy price increases over this period.

The authority spends around 263,500 a year on energy. The Carbon Trust has identified the means to reduced consumption by a further 30% - 80,000 a year.

However, to achieve this, the whole service has to be more aware of the measures needed to reduce consumption - not only cost but its carbon footprint.

The Carbon Trust proposes:

*Energy management systems and procedures

*Energy-saving opportunities specific to all sites

*Enerhy-saving opportunities specific to sites assessed

One of the measures suggested in the replacement of existing boilers with condensing units.

Chief fire officer and chief executive Des Pritchard says electricity costs for the year have increased dramatically since the budget was planned and agreed.