COUNCIL leaders, stakeholders and leading figures from within the renewable energy sector gathered in Crediton for the launch of a UK first in energy efficiency.

Mid Devon District Council is the first organisation in the country to tackle its energy usage by undertaking a fully funded, multi-site and multi-measure "ESCO" (Energy Service Company).

The innovative ESCO model works by examining current energy usage before producing a report into the combination of energy efficiency measures and upgrades that could be made to bring the greatest benefit.

The measures are then installed at no upfront cost, through an investor-backed funding route.

As part of the ESCO, Mid Devon District Council has had works completed in five of its corporate buildings and is in line to save up to a third on its annual energy expenditure, while saving over 690 tonnes of carbon per year.

Following completion of the project, a launch event was held last Friday at Crediton's Lords Meadow Leisure Centre.