Wiltshire Council has successfully bid for more than £4.4m from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to reduce carbon emissions by upgrading the heating systems in many of its buildings.

Wiltshire Council is set to receive over £4m in government funding to reduce carbon emissions by upgrading the heating systems in its buildings.

As part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the council has received £4,452,281 to spend on updating the heating in many council buildings.

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A local authority spokesman said: “The majority of the funding will be used to install air to water heat pump systems at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury, Warminster Leisure Centre, the Olympiad in Chippenham, and, subject to planning permission, Lime Kiln Leisure Centre in Royal Wootton Bassett.

“Solar panels will also be installed at a further 19 council buildings, including leisure centres, libraries and depots; while further heating and air handling upgrades will be made at 10 council properties.”

Simon Hendey, director of housing and commercial said that once the upgrades are complete, it will save 1,200 tonnes of carbon every year.

“We will continue to pursue all avenues for funding to help decarbonise our property estates as we progress with our aim to make the county of Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030,” Mr Hendey added.