What was North Somerset Council looking for?
Many local authorities want to develop more sustainable practices and North Somerset was a case in point. The constant issue is always one of funding, particularly in schools. Inefficient reactive maintenance regimes combined with aging, inefficient and unreliable assets were creating a downward spiral, draining already overstretched budgets and hindering the progress towards energy efficiency.
How did we help?
MITIE worked with the Council to develop a new, innovative and sustainable financial model for the management of its estate without incurring huge costs and jeopardising core budgets. By replacing the reactive approach with a Planned Preventative Maintenance programme and generating quick-win energy savings from lighting, building controls and pipe-work insulation, we were able to generate savings that were ploughed-back into a capital programme of asset enhancement and replacement.
Results
Schools which are responsible for their own budgets are able to pay a monthly maintenance fee that covers the costs of the new maintenance regime, plus a contribution towards the capital fund. This not only provides flat-line budget predictability but also funds the ongoing programme of improvements, including new boilers, lighting and energy saving technology. We have delivered carbon and energy savings in excess of 15% across the schools and the improvements have created an enhanced working environment for pupils and teachers.