Local actions and activities that we have taken in Bedford Borough to reduce carbon emissions and encourage others to live more sustainably.
This is a summary of actions and activities we have taken to reduce carbon emissions in Bedford Borough and to encourage others to live more sustainably.
Bedford Green Technology & Innovation Park
Bedford Green Technology & Innovation Park (Energy Park) is a project to deliver low carbon, clean energy generation technologies on a closed 30ha former landfill site, as a model to provide an education resource, training and encourage others to reduce carbon emissions, adopt innovative technologies, and improve air quality.
The proposed development will promote education through the joint working with two universities, local colleges, and promote the wider acceptance of renewable energy technologies. It also provides the Council with the opportunity to generate green, clean energy through the initial solar farm project constructed on the site.
The Council’s work to cap the closed landfill site with clay in accordance with the planning approval for this site is ongoing, with the solar farm project completed end of May 2022. See our progress here: Elstow Solar Farm.
Boatslide hydro power facility
The Boatslide hydro power facility utilises the river to generate electricity and from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2021 has;
- Generated 721,848.64 kWh of electricity
- Exported 567,223.86 kWh of electricity
- Provided an income of £201,738.84 from the feed in tariff
Read more about hydro power facility (PDF) and the use of the Archimedean screw turbine (PDF)
RE:FIT conservation project
The RE:FIT programme utilised the Greater London Authority’s RE:FIT framework and the Council partnered with MITIE, an energy service company responsible for designing and installing energy conservation measures.
A number of different energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies have been installed across the Council’s estate;
- Allhallows multi-storey car park (PDF) solar PV project
- Allhallows multi-storey car park (PDF) lighting upgrade
- Borough Hall (PDF) solar PV project
- Borough Hall (PDF) oil to gas conversion
- Kempston Centre (PDF) solar PV project
- Jubilation Centre (PDF) solar PV project
- Bedford Central Library (PDF) solar PV project
- Robinson Pool (PDF) loft insulation
- Robinson Pool (PDF) heating and cooling component insulation
The Mayor's Climate Change Fund
The Mayor's Climate Change Fund can provide match funding, from £5,000 up to £20,000, for improvements that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs of community buildings within Bedford Borough.
Local case studies:
- The Place Theatre: Hydro Kit to replace gas boilers (PDF)
- Stewartby Water Sports Club: Low energy lighting, entrance doors, and floating ceiling (PDF)
- The Place Theatre: Air source heat pumps (PDF)
- Pavenham Village Hall and Playing Field Charity: Solar panels and loft insulation (PDF)
- Scott Lower, Brickhill Lower, and Beauchamp Middle Schools: Solar panels (PDF)
- Biddenham Upper School: Low energy lighting (PDF)
Priory Country Park renewable project
Priory Country Park Visitor Centre made a number of improvements to reduce its energy and water consumption, carbon emissions and utility bills. With visitors being able to see the technologies and read the accompanying information boards, it has also helped raise awareness and understanding of the eco-technologies installed;
Energy efficiency Improvements
- Low energy lighting (PDF)
- Triple glazed windows and doors (PDF)
- Loft insulation (PDF)
- Cavity wall insulation (PDF)
- Natural daylight system (PDF)
- Solar Photovoltaic System (PV)
- Rainwater harvesting system (PDF)
The project has brought together a range of energy and water saving measures in one building, which can be easily accessed by visitors, who are able to see the technology in action.
Interpretation boards are displayed in the Visitor Centre, to explain to the Borough’s residents, communities and businesses how the systems that have been installed work and to help them to consider the technology for their own homes and buildings.
