Three major energy conservation projects have been delivered across the council’s estate in that time, implementing technologies such as solar PV lighting, heating and ventilation upgrades and improvements to its Building Energy Management Systems.

Vital Energi delivered an energy performance contract on all three phases of the project which guarantees certain levels of performance, such as reduced energy costs and carbon savings and we are delighted to say that all three phases of the project are outperforming their original guarantees.

Phase 3 of the project has celebrated its anniversary and, after having the data verified by an independent third party, has outperformed its guaranteed targets by 17%. This has seen the council reduce its carbon emissions by 693 tonnes, whilst saving over £262,000 in energy costs.

Previous phases had seen Vital Energi deliver energy upgrades to some of Dundee’s most-used community buildings such as Dundee Ice Arena and Central Library. Phase 3 built on this success to add improvements to another 20 buildings.

Chris Yeo, director of low carbon solutions for Vital Energi, explained: “NDEE projects are fantastic for the public sector, because contractors have to guarantee certain areas of performance. This gives the client both budget certainty, and ensures they are getting the carbon reduction promised.

“This was a great project by Dundee City Council which has not only saved them money, which can be better spent on essential services, but it has allowed them to make big strides towards their net zero goals. We’re delighted that the installations are performing so well and are sure they’ll stand as an example of how city councils can reduce their emissions by hundreds of tonnes and make significant progress on their net zero journey.”

With all three phases now independently verified, the council is saving over £700,000 in energy costs per year and has reduced its carbon by 2,200 tonnes per annum.