On the right lines ?

Focus on Teignbridge Council's sustainability efforts Local authorities are now expected to lead the way when it comes to sustainability, but a few are going the extra mile to ensure they truly practice what they preach. Teignbridge District Council in Devon is one such case. Their pledge towards sustainability is not just for show – the Council hopes to make substantial savings as part of its environmental mission. Taking the bold decision to make use of renewable power, councillors oversaw the installation of 52 solar panels on the south-facing roof of its Forde House offices in Newton Abbot. The project, as the focus point for a range of environmentally friendly initiatives, cost £31,865 and is expected to break even within six years. As the panels were installed prior to the continuing battle over feed-in tariffs their potential earning power is still hanging in the balance, but councillors expect to guarantee income of 37.8p for every kilowatt per hour (kWh) that the panels produce. Estimates place this at 10,000 kWh per year, meaning an income of around £3780 will be recouped. The panels are also expected to directly produce £700 worth of electricity each...