HAMPSHIRE County Council is lighting the way to energy savings by replacing 75 per cent of light fittings in its buildings with low-energy LEDs.

The project is part of a wider energy-saving programme which has seen the council reduce its carbon emissions by 38.1 per cent since 2010 – saving around £30m in energy costs in total.

Councillor Mel Kendal, chairman of the authority’s building, land and procurement panel, and executive member for economic development, said: “Switching to LED lighting makes perfect economic and environmental sense – reducing our energy and maintenance costs by £240,000 a year, as well as lowering our carbon emissions.

“We’re well on track to reaching our 40 per cent carbon reduction target by 2025, with the ultimate aim of being carbon neutral by 2050. This is great news for Hampshire taxpayers and the environment.”

The light replacement project is part of the council’s £2.7m investment in its energy and carbon management programme, which also includes:

* Investigating the feasibility of converting its small vehicle fleet from diesel to electric on a phased basis;

* Installation of approximately 40 new electric vehicle charging points at sites to be finalised, in addition to the 14 charging points already owned by the county council;

* Trial of local and bulk battery storage either in conjunction with existing solar arrays or by purchasing at off peak tariffs - subject to a positive business case and viable return on investment.

Mr Kendal added: “We’re trialling electric vehicles across different areas to help inform our decision making. Data tells us that replacing our diesel fleet with electric vehicles could reduce our fuel costs by 96 per cent, and save around £210,000 per year – continuing our strong track record of planned investment for long-term energy savings.”

As well as saving around £30m in energy costs since 2010, Hampshire County Council has also reduced its carbon tax charges by £330,000 since the start of the programme.

Funding for the next phase of the energy and carbon management programme is due to be considered by county council leader Roy Perry on October 18.