Nottinghamshire County Council is to closing two-thirds of its offices during peak holiday periods to save towards energy and running costs.
Staff based at these buildings will work at alternative buildings or from home.
With rising energy bills, it’s estimated that total savings could be as much as £75,000. This mainly covers energy bills, as well as running costs such as cleaning and rubbish collection over approximately a four-week period.
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said:
Most of our corporate offices have low occupancy during Christmas and Easter holiday periods as staff are more likely to take holiday at these times.
Due to the age and design of many of our buildings they cost as much to keep running for a small number of staff as they do when fully occupied, so these temporary closures are common sense, particularly in light of high energy costs.
As a council we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint as well as making best use of taxpayers’ money, particularly given current budget pressures.
Our services will continue as they would do over any holiday period, so these corporate office closures will not affect residents.
Our workforce has proven how adaptable they are throughout the pandemic to be able to work flexibly and from different locations yet still deliver essential services to our communities.
Councillor Mike Adams, Environment Ambassador and Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, added:
We have a target to become a carbon neutral council by 2030.
Heating and powering our buildings make up around a third of all county council carbon emissions, and this decision will also help to reduce our impact on the environment .
