Council supports Climate Week
Wyre Forest District Council is supporting Climate Week, a
national campaign taking place this week (21 -27 March).
The campaign aims to increase awareness about climate change and
advise people about how best to cut their carbon emissions.
There are Climate Week events taking place
across the country and the council is encouraging groups to take
part in Wyre Forest too.
Some of the ways the council has been reducing
its carbon emission includes the introduction of home-working for
some staff, which reduces the need for them to travel, replacement
of old fleet vehicles with more fuel efficient models, and
improvements to buildings such as Kidderminster Town Hall, which
has efficient lighting and has been draught-proofed to further cut
bills. Other improvements include IT improvements, including
reducing the number of servers, which will cut electricity use and
reduce the need for energy intensive air conditioning.
The biggest positive impact on the environment
will be when the council moves to its new headquarters. The
offices will incorporate the latest in green technologies and it is
predicted that it will reduce the council’s carbon dioxide
emissions from offices by 85 per cent. There will also be a big
saving with a reduction in the need for employees to travel between
buildings.
As part of Climate Week, all council employees
are being asked to take part in Earth Hour. This is between
8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 26th March when we are
encouraged to turn off all lights.
The council also offers residents various
schemes to help them reduce their carbon footprint. These are
making use of the new and improved recycling
collections, cut price loft and cavity wall insulation
and advice on grants for renewable energy systems such as solar PV
and solar water heating. Call energy advice centre ‘Act On Energy’
on 0800 988 2881 for free and impartial advice.
Borrow an energy monitor from Kidderminster or
Stourport Library (small charge may apply). Councillor Marcus Hart,
Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and
Environmental Services said,
‘Climate Change is an issue in which everyone
needs to play their part. We all have an opportunity to make
a positive difference, and Climate Week is a great way to raise
awareness. The council is already making improvements to
reduce its carbon emissions, which is good for the environment and
also make sense financially, by reducing our energy and fuel
bills.’
More information on saving money and the environment can be
found on our sustainability pages.
Issued on - 21st March 2011