Council to sign up to green scheme

Released: 3 April 2008

Wolverhampton City Council is taking part in a pioneering scheme to reduce carbon emissions. The authority has been chosen to participate in the Carbon Trust's ambitious Local Authority Carbon Management Programme.

Between now and 2015, the council will aim to reduce its carbon emissions and energy consumption by 25%. It will also raise the environmental profile of the council and lead the city and wider West Midlands region by example.

Richard Rugg, the Carbon Trust's head of public sector, said: "Cutting carbon emissions, as part of the fight against climate change, should be a key priority for local authorities. It is all about getting your own house in order and leading by example.

“The Carbon Management Programme assists councils in saving money on energy and putting it to good use in other areas whilst making a positive contribution to the environment by lowering their carbon emissions.

“Local authorities can contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions. The Carbon Trust is very proud to support Wolverhampton City Council in their ongoing implementation of carbon management."

The council is to publish a carbon management strategy and implementation plan which sets out the actions and projects the council will carry out to achieve significant carbon savings from council buildings and operations.

In the short term, these include 14 opportunities that will kick-start the council's Carbon Management Programme for 2008/2009. Examples include energy management upgrades to selected council buildings, engaging staff with the programme, considering converting the council's vehicle fleet to biodiesel fuel and trialling more energy efficient street lighting.

The carbon management strategy will also form the basis for a city-wide climate change strategy and action plan which is part of the Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change.

The Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan is being presented to the council's Cabinet for approval on April 9.

Issued by the press office.