COUNCIL SIGN UP TO CLIMATE CHANGE CAMPAIGN

Reducing CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions by 10% in 2010 is now the aim of Cheshire East Council.

The Authority has signed up voluntarily to the 10:10 Campaign, which raises awareness about action to reduce CO2 emissions.

The scheme is focusing on carbon reduction within the Authority's corporate buildings and the immediate action needed to avoid raising the levels of CO2 in our atmosphere.

The campaign was created by the producers of the film 'The Age of Stupid' which calls for urgent action on the issue of climate change by individuals and businesses.

Cheshire East Council has committed its support to the campaign to reduce the UK's carbon footprint by 34% before 2020.

Work is already underway to reduce the Authority's CO2 emissions with the installation of energy saving technologies across its premises.

For example;

" The Authority has provided £75,000 of funding for an 'Invest to Save' scheme to support energy-efficiency projects across Cheshire East. In October 2009, leisure centres in Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Congleton were fitted with automatic lighting controls in squash courts, changing rooms, dance/aerobic studios and main sports hall areas. It is estimated that over the next three years these low-cost improvements will reduce CO2 emissions by 18 tonnes.

" Macclesfield Town Hall has recently been fitted with new boiler controls and there are plans to replace lighting system within the building.

" 36 Cheshire East Council staff or 'Eco representatives' as they will be known, have offered to support the campaign in-house. Their task will be to promote the campaign proactively to their colleagues.

" 'Display Energy Certificates' have been placed in every Cheshire East Council building over 1,000 square metres in size. These advise staff and visitors on the building's annual energy rating and are a legal requirement.

Plans to achieve further savings are currently being drawn up. It is hoped that once the £75,000 investment is complete, it could result in a saving of over £100,000 over the next three years.

Cheshire East Councillor, Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for the Environment said:

"Cheshire East Council is hoping to set a good example in tackling energy efficiency. This is proof of our commitment towards tackling climate change. The 10:10 Campaign aims to raise awareness about how we can best reduce CO2 emissions both in the short and long term. This Authority will now look to do all it can to support this effort."