Wirral Council signs up to cut carbon emissions

Sep 24 2008 by Sue McCann, Bromborough and Bebington News

WIRRAL Council is investing in a new team to tackle the council’s carbon footprint.

The authority has also signed up to the CRed Carbon Reduction Scheme, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2025, which is a more ambitious target than the government’s aims.

Energy reduction schemes currently taking place include new boilers and increased insulation in council buildings, which so far have led to an average energy saving of 18%.

Cllr Gill Gardiner, cabinet member for environment, said: “The new unit will focus on reducing Wirral Council’s carbon emissions and aims to set a good example to the rest of the borough by reducing its energy use.

“It will also work with businesses and the community to raise awareness of the importance of reducing Wirral’s carbon footprint.”

Council leader Steve Foulkes added: “Saving energy doesn’t just help with our climate change targets, it has a real effect on our budget.

“The council is facing a potential £9m increase in energy costs next year and it is vital we do everything possible to reduce our energy use.

“If we can work to reduce this energy use at the council, then we can spend more taxpayers’ money on services and less on heating, lighting and other energy use.”