Everyone loves a discount, and it’s even better when that reduction is on your carbon footprint.

Saving both money off fuel bills and also the planet, thebestof Colchester member, the Mercury Theatre Colchester has been at the forefront of energy efficiency in the area with a scheme to replace windows, the roof and improving insulation to significantly reduce the costs of their fuel bills. 

The work, which has been on-going since 2008 has seen the theatre reducing the amount of carbon it generates by almost a third whilst also seeing an increase in the temperature of the bar to more comfortable levels.

It was a part of a wider scheme from Colchester Borough Council’s Local Authority Carbon Management Strategy which has seen the Council themselves making significant investment in both buildings and fleet of council vehicles as well as educating their staff in best practice for energy efficiency. (It can be as simple as switching your monitor off overnight!)

The council’s scheme was so successful that in just four years, they had reduced the town’s carbon output by almost 2,500 tonnes of CO2 – well above the target that had been set at the outset.

But for many, simply listing how many tonnes of carbon dioxide has been saves can lead to blank faces. What does it actually mean? Lower carbon coming from lower energy usage also means lower bills. Those four years of improved energy efficiency have saved Colchester Council more than three quarters of a million pounds!

The scheme has also included seminars for local businesses and organisations designed to help secure a low carbon future for the borough.

"I am delighted that we have exceeded the Council's 2008 commitment to reduce our carbon emissions by 25%,” said Colchester Borough Council's Planning, Community Safety and Culture Portfolio Holder, Councillor Tim Young “There is no greater priority than developing a sustainable future and through targeted investment the Council has already shown it is leading the way with its own buildings, fleet and staff. 

"We will continue to ensure our future work maximises the environmental gains and financial savings possible and encourage Colchester businesses to also realise these benefits by working with us. Our other priority will be supporting residents to live cleaner, greener lifestyle that can also save money." 

For more information, please visit Colchester Council's website.