Western Isles Quality Of Life Initiative

Energy and Water Management Policy

The Comhairle’s overall aim is to improve the quality of life in the Western Isles and 15 Themes of Sustainability have been approved to ensure that the actions it takes to meet the needs of the present do not compromise the ability of future generations of islanders to meet their own needs.

In partnership with others, and aiming always to make the best use of resources, the Comhairle will endeavour to deliver services of quality and value, increase opportunities to local people and promote attractive and thriving communities.

Energy is one of the most controllable but least recognised resources in today’s society and involves the whole community.

It is estimated that the Comhairle incurs expenditure of some £1.4m per year on the supply of energy and water services to its wide-ranging portfolio of properties. Heating, lighting, ventilation and power used at schools, offices, depots and care premises account for the vast majority of energy used by the Comhairle (£1,070k) and this is supplied by a variety of sources including oil, gas and electricity.

Similarly, water and wastewater charges for the Comhairle’s non-domestic properties amount to some £303k per year. In addition to an inefficient use of water, it is likely that there is some level of wastage through the service and distribution pipework systems and also further work could be done to ensure that the most efficient charging mechanisms are in place.

Whilst this policy aims to address energy and water management issues as they relate to premises in its estate, e.g. offices, schools, sports facilities and social care premises, the Comhairle also aims, in the longer term, to use its role in commissioning and funding services to make progress in addressing these issues in the public transport and public and private housing sectors in the Western Isles.

This policy should therefore be seen as only the first step to achieving the aims of an over-arching energy and water management policy for the Comhairle across the Western Isles.

Staff Engagement Presentation (pdf 400KB)

Energy Water Management Policy and Implementation Plan (January 2005) (word 180 KB)