Carbon-cutting tops agenda at climate change conference

12.03.48pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 17th Jan 2008

Slashing carbon consumption in council buildings was the theme of a day-long conference hosted by Richmond Council on January 16.

Energy managers from 30 local authorities attended the seminar in York House to share ideas on reducing their carbon footprint and get advice from experts. The event was the latest phase in a local authority programme run by the Carbon Trust to help councils operate more sustainably. Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "Since pledging to put sustainability at the heart of everything we do, the Council has made significant progress towards reducing its carbon footprint. For example, our buildings and the borough's street lighting are now powered by green electricity from renewable sources including wind power and we are working closely with residents, schools and partners to help them find their own energy savings. However, this is work in progress and the conference was a great opportunity to share examples of good practice with a number of local authorities and hear fresh ideas on energy saving. The Council's Sustainability Unit has been working closely with the Carbon Trust and will produce and implement a climate change strategy for the borough later this year."