Council signs up to fight against climate change
Archived press release
Date Published: 02/03/10
Aylesbury Vale District Council is signing up to a campaign to reduce carbon emissions.
AVDC is one of dozens of local authorities across the UK to be supporting the 10:10 campaign – a scheme looking to persuade individuals, businesses and organisations to reduce their CO2 emissions by 10 per cent in 2010.
Climate change predictions show that, without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, famine and flooding.
The council has set itself a tough longer term target of cutting its CO2 emissions by 22 per cent by 2013. And it’s not just about reducing emissions, it’s about saving council tax-payers money as well.
AVDC’s annual bill for gas and electricity is around £1.6 million, so there are substantial savings to be made. The large energy users, such as leisure centres, the vehicle fleet, and car parks are being targeted first and any fuel savings made will be ploughed back into other energy saving works, so that any improvements needed are self-financing.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “Climate change is everybody’s responsibility and by joining the campaign the council is pledging its commitment to take action. I would encourage everyone to sign up to do their bit.”
10:10 is an independent, not for profit, climate change campaign supported by a range of partner organisations including Action Aid, Comic Relief, the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust. For more information on the campaign, visit www.1010uk.org
Further information about how climate change is being addressed in Aylesbury Vale can be found on the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/environment