Council commits to reduce emissions

Plans to reduce energy and carbon emissions to help combat climate change have been approved at a cabinet meeting in Hull this week.

Hull City Council's cabinet has agreed to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and energy use by three per cent over the coming year. This is in addition to the council's existing commitment to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2050. It has already made a significant start by achieving a 10 per cent reduction over the last eight years.

The council's agreement is part of the national 10:10 campaign, which the council signed up to on 30 November 2009. The main aim of the 10:10 campaign is for organisations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 per cent. However, 10:10 campaign leaders know that some councils have done some considerable emission reduction work already. An alternative target has been set for councils to reduce emission by at least three per cent instead.

As part of the council's commitment to achieving this three per cent target, a number of schemes will be implemented.

These include installing a computer programme which will automatically power down equipment that has been left on. Other initiatives include installing timers and running an internal awareness campaign to encourage staff to act more responsibly to help reduce emissions and energy usage. By informing staff about how to cut emissions at work it is hoped that the good habits they learn will be transferred to their home life.

Councillor Dave Woods, portfolio holder for environmental sustainability, said: "The council has a responsibility, as do all organisations, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"We hope that by educating our staff and installing energy saving devices it will not only help us to achieve our target, but encourage other organisations to look at how they use energy too. Any changes that organisations in Hull can make, no matter how small, can help to make a difference to climate change."

By making positive changes now to the way it uses energy the council intends to produce a good performance under the Carbon Reduction Commitment that comes into effect from April.

Hull City Council is one of 3,500 businesses and organisations signed up to the 10:10 campaign. For more information about the 10:10 campaign visit www.1010uk.org.

Related Links: 10:10 campaign