Lib Dems lead on Carbon reduction (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems lead on Carbon reduction

February 8, 2008 1:00 PM

A £500,000 Carbon Reduction Fund will be established if Lib Dem plans for the 2008/09 budget are approved. Liberal Democrat Councillors at York Council want to set up a £500K investment fund to tackle carbon emissions from Council buildings.

The plans underline the Lib Dem commitment to the environment, and will fund the Council's Carbon Management Programme, which aims to slash carbon emissions by 25% in the next 5 years.

Cllr Ceredig Jamieson-Ball and Cllr Andrew Waller with insulation

Cllr Jamieson-Ball and Cllr Waller with examples of insulation

The Carbon Management Programme aims to reduce the carbon emissions of council-owned buildings, including schools, as well as reduce energy consumption, incorporate eco-friendly design principles and use eco-friendly fuels. Currently 67% of the carbon emissions generated by York Council come from buildings. Financial savings from these investments to reduce emissions will be re-invested in future carbon reduction schemes.

Projects that could benefit include the installation of bio-mass heating in larger buildings - like the new Danesgate Skills Centre - or building heat pumps into smaller new build projects - such as new school buildings. Both of these heating sources would save many tonnes of carbon each year. Projects to upgrade existing insulation and energy efficiency in Council buildings could also receive funding under the plans.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Corporate Services, Cllr Ceredig Jamieson-Ball, said, "This is an important part of our plans to reduce the impact of the Council on the environment. It is clear that we need to back up fine words with firm action.

"I am delighted that we are able to make such a significant financial commitment to this important aim, and it is great that we will be able to use the long term financial savings to fund further projects in the future."