Council bosses have planned to hire consultants in a bid to transform buildings into zero carbon properties in South Ayrshire. 

Surveys have been undertaken at Dundonald Primary School and Activity Centre, Troon Swimming Pool, 8 and 10 Wellington Square, Girvan Academy and Invergarven school to look at how it is done. 

Councillors approved the move at a recent Leadership Panel meeting. It comes as the council strives to meet climate change goals. 

South Ayrshire Council aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 per cent by 2030 culminating in zero being released by 2045.

It could cost £1million to change a primary school into a zero carbon building according to a council report. 

The report presented to politicians at the panel said: “The council’s operational estate currently accounts for a significant proportion of our annual carbon emissions and as such this is a key area for the council to target for emission reduction.”

The surveys carried out on six buildings so far looked at ways to improve the operation of properties and make them greener. 

Firm Avison Young carried out the “net zero carbon studies.”

Commenting on the studies, the report said: “Measures recommended include improving heating controls, upgrading insulation to pipework and roof space, upgrading ventilation systems, converting gas heating to electric heating i.e. heat pumps and installing photovoltaics.”

The plan is to gradually increase the energy efficiency of buildings over the next 25 years toward the 2045 ambition.

The council are preparing to spend about £50,000 on consultants to come up with costs and methods to roll out the ‘low carbon’ plan.