CAMDEN TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN CUTTING CARBON EMISSIONS

30th May 2007

Cutting large-scale energy wastage and providing hands-on help for residents to produce their own energy are among the innovative ways Camden Council hopes to cut the borough’s carbon footprint.

One of the pioneering ways the council aims to reduce the borough’s carbon emissions is through combined heat and power systems on housing estates and large sites to provide locally generated and efficiently supplied energy services.

Other suggestions put forward by the council’s Sustainability Task Force, and agreed by the Executive last week (23 May, 2007), included a pilot scheme of home visits that offer more of a ‘hand-holding’ service, to take the hassle factor out of installing sustainable energy measures.

Under the pilot, the council would offer a wide range of advice to help households reduce their waste and carbon footprint. The council will also explore how greater incentives could be provided to households and private landlords to take up sustainable energy measures

It was also agreed that businesses and other premises would be encouraged to turn out lights at night, shops to keep their doors shut during winter, and restaurants, cafes and pubs to seek alternatives to outdoor space heaters.

Other suggestions agreed include introducing a carbon accounting and reporting system to monitor and report on the council's carbon emissions each year.

Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council, said:

"Climate change affects us all and we need to take urgent action to work towards a sustainable Camden. These innovative proposals on energy generation and energy efficiency should make a real difference in meeting our targets of reducing the borough’s carbon footprint and I look forward to seeing some real progress here."

Cllr Andrew Marshall, Deputy Leader of Camden Council, said:

“We have set our sights on some ambitious proposals and asked staff to come back with concrete, costed options.All of us support the need to reduce carbon emissions. The challenge now is to go ahead with the things where we can make the most difference – while making sure we avoid overlapping with initiatives already out there.”

Cllr Alexis Rowell, Camden Council's Eco Champion and chair of the Sustainability Taskforce, said:

“The Executive’s endorsement of the Task Force’s Energy Report is a huge step in the right direction. The council is in a position to make a major difference to climate change and become a national leader. Each of our residents and businesses can do their part and I look forward to seeing how our recommendations will be taken forward."

Residents can already call a freephone for advice on energy saving tips, changing fuel supplier and schemes that help with the cost of heating, insulation and renewable energy measures.For help and advice call the Camden energy advice helpline on: 0800 801 738.

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