Council employees gathered at Foyle Arena Leisure Centre (Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland), on Thursday 22nd November to attend an Energy Management Workshop facilitated by Mabbett Environmental Consultants.

Key personnel within the council were given an overview of how an Energy management system can be implemented within their workplace and how they can be instrumental in driving down energy costs and Co2 emissions. The importance of understanding where energy is being used within a building and how waste can be identified was also presented to the attendees. The staff were encouraged to participate in a walk round energy audit of the leisure centre in order to highlight the areas where energy efficiency can be improved and areas where a lot of energy can be wasted.

The importance of measuring and monitoring energy usage through a BMS or Monitoring and Targeting Programme was also emphasised. Other areas covered within the workshop were the important role of energy purchasing, energy design and embedding a culture of continuous energy improvement within the organisation in order to work towards ISO 50001 accreditation.