Council measures up to tackle climate change
The Highland Council has reinforced its commitment to tackling climate change by agreeing to develop a Highland Climate Change Strategy and sign the forthcoming Scottish Climate Change Declaration, committing public sector bodies to wide-ranging action on climate change mitigation and adaptation. This will enhance the Council’s recent commitment to reducing CO2 emissions in buildings, vehicle fleets, street lighting and landfill sites, developed in collaboration with the Carbon Trust, a Government backed company that is helping business and the public sector move towards a low carbon economy.
The Council wants to highlight simple measures that will enable staff to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions from Council buildings by 15% by 2010. Its new campaign emphasises that collectively, small changes by individuals can have a big impact in reducing emissions.
The Council renewed it commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by launching a high profile campaign for UK Local Authority Energy Day on Wednesday 25 October. Staff and Councillors were asked to switch on to switching off in a bid to reduce electricity use by 10% during working hours. Operations to measure electricity consumption took place at Council Headquarters in Inverness, marking the Council’s support for national Energy Saving Week.
The outcome highlighted the rewards of promoting energy saving activity. Staff at Council HQ achieved an 8% decrease in electricity use compared with average consumption over the previous three weeks.
On Local Authority Energy Day, staff conducted walkarounds to encourage colleagues to save energy by switching off lights computer monitors when not in use and making sure that printers and photocopiers are switched off overnight. A new corporate screensaver was launched, ensuring that PC users are provided with regular energy saving tips. Throughout the day, the Highland Energy Efficiency Advice Centre ran a stand at Council HQ to advise on saving energy and reducing household bills. Staff were encouraged to sign up for detailed advice on home improvements, renewable energy and low cost energy efficiency measures. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emission, energy saving can save money – up to £300 every year, which is roughly one-third of an average household’s annual energy bill.
For more information contact the Highland Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.
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