Northampton Borough Council has cut carbon emissions by more than 14% in the past year, saving money for council taxpayers and reducing its carbon footprint. The Borough Council made a commitment to reduce energy and signed up to the 10:10 campaign at the end of 2009, pledging to reduce carbon emissions by a minimum of 10 per cent within a year.
New figures have now shown that the Borough Council has exceeded this target, reducing emissions by almost 15 per cent in the past 12 months.
The figures are now being independently audited by the Carbon Trust and the Council has applied for accreditation to the Carbon Trust Standard, which recognises organisations that have shown real, measurable reductions in their carbon footprint and a clear commitment to reducing energy use year on year.
Throughout the year, the Borough Council has carried out a number of projects geared to making its buildings and facilities more energy efficient, including carrying out cavity wall insulation at Lings Forum Leisure Centre, updating the lighting at St John’s car park and fitting new heating systems at the Mounts Leisure Centre.
The amount of energy saved – based on current prices – is equivalent to around £100,000 from the council’s energy bill.
Councillor Trini Crake, Northampton Borough Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: “This is fantastic news, we set ourselves an ambitious target and we have achieved an even bigger reduction in our carbon footprint than we set out to reach.
“That shows we are making real, practical changes, with real cost savings and real benefits to the environment.”
Scott Collins commenting on the success said “This shows the lIberal Democrats real commitment to making Northampton, and Britain, a greener more efficent place to be. THe Conservative County Councils refusal to accept the challenge of 10:10 when proposed by the Lib Dem opposition shows their lack of commitment to dealing with green issues”
In 2008, the borough council agreed a target to reduce emissions by 35% between 2008 and 2012, set against a baseline
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