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HEAT from a crematorium in Taunton could soon be used to keep its offices and chapel warm.

Taunton Deane Council is planning on installing a “heat recovery system” at the end of this year to recover energy from the cremator’s flue gases.

According to the council the system will save around £2,400 a year in running costs.

A council spokesman said they will not use energy recovered from the deceased and will harness heat that would otherwise be lost in the atmosphere.

The move is part of a package of measures the council is introducing to make it more eco-friendly by reducing its carbon footprint.

Cllr Ken Hayward, Executive Councillor for Environmental Services, said: “It is vitally important that our council leads the way on reducing carbon emissions and unnecessary waste. “But the icing on the cake is that real savings can be made - in this case in terms of our energy costs.”

In the past three years, the council says it has cut its carbon emissions by 500 tonnes – or 10.4%.

They are also planning on cutting back on vehicle emissions, upgrading lighting and insulation.

A spokesman for the authoroty said: “The council is also investigating the potential of solar power as a way of generating income through the Government’s payments for renewable energy generation – and cutting carbon emissions.”

She added the authority has already installed air source heat pumps in four of its bungalows that are off the main gas network.

She said if the pilot scheme, which is being closely monitored, is successful it could be installed in more properties.