CALDERDALE Council has received national recognition for reducing its carbon footprint.
The council has been awarded the national Carbon Trust Standard certificate after assessors identified a number of key projects which show how it is reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions year on year.
They include switching all council fleet v
ehicles so they run on five per cent bio-diesel blend, fitting energy-saving pool covers at Halifax Pool, Sowerby Bridge Pool and Todmorden Sports Centre, creating a straw bale extension at Shelf Village Hall to house Shelf Library – developed by Todmorden based Amazonails – and installing a ground source heat pump at Shibden Hall's Mereside cafe.
A significant increase in the efficiency of Calderdale's schools was also highlighted by assessors. Although many schools are now open longer for after-school clubs and community use, their overall energy use has only increased
by a small amount.
Councillor Amanda Byrne, the portfolio holder for the economy and the environment, said it was fantastic news and a great achievement for all staff. "This award shows that Calderdale Council is at the forefront when it comes to tackling climate change.
"We have already made great progress but we mustn't become complacent. The Carbon Trust Standard requires us to continue reducing our carbon footprint so we can maintain this standard.
"The council is committed to acting on climate change and a number of new initiatives are already under way to reduce our footprint even further."
Existing initiatives include introducing pool MetroCards for staff to use on public transport on business travel throughout West Yorkshire, the Switch Off energy awareness campaign which encourages council staff to do their bit by turning off electrical equipment and lights when not in use, introducing smarter working to reduce the amount of time staff spend travelling, holding a West Yorkshire Schools Carbon Reduction Conference in February and a Green Day for schools in June and signing up to the 10:10 initiative, which means the council will try to reduce its carbon footprint by 10 per cent in 2010.
10:10 is a national campaign to get everyone doing their bit to tackle climate change right now.
Anyone can take part – individuals, businesses, schools and community groups can all sign up at www.1010uk.org and pledge to reduce their carbon footprint by 10 per cent during 2010. Those signing up will receive support and advice from the 10:10 team.
