Rotherham Council is investing in a decarbonisation programme targeting energy upgrades across four public buildings, with £265,000 secured from the UK government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The works, set for completion by March 2026, will see three eligible council properties fitted with low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, improved insulation, double glazing, and water-saving installations. The sites include Springwell Gardens, 115 Middle Lane South, and the Swinton Customer Service Centre and Library.
A fourth site, Peacock Lodge Children’s Home, did not meet grant criteria but will undergo similar upgrades using council funds.
The overall project is expected to cost £422,000, with the local authority contributing £156,000 from its decarbonisation budget. The upgrades are projected to reduce the council’s annual carbon emissions by around 30 tonnes, supporting its goal to reach net-zero operational emissions by 2030.
While the environmental impact is clear, the financial return is modest, with expected annual energy savings across all four buildings estimated at just £3,800.
Contractor procurement is expected to begin this summer, with construction scheduled to start in the autumn. Buildings were prioritised based on the condition of existing systems and their suitability for retrofit.
