Wirral signs up for 10:10
Wirral Council is the first local authority in Merseyside to sign up to the “10:10” campaign to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.
The ambitious national project aims to secure a 10 per cent cut in carbon emissions in 2010.
Campaign organisers are challenging private sector companies, charities, hospitals, councils and other public sector and voluntary organisations to get involved.
Wirral Council has already committed itself to a long term Climate Change Strategy target of a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 based on 2007 figures.
Between 2005 and 2007 a 20% reduction had already been achieved; 2007-08 saw a further 6% reduction. With the new Sustainability Unit now up and running, and the launch of a Wirral wide CRed (carbon reduction) scheme next month the council is well placed to achieve further significant reductions during 2010.
The 60% cut in carbon emissions will be achieved by building on a range of already successful methods – both technical and educational, which include:
Council-wide energy efficiency awareness raising campaign
The recruitment of energy champions
Improving insulation
Installing of energy efficient controls and equipment
Efficient recovery of waste heat
Timing clocks and low energy lamps
Energy awareness workshops
Car share system
Cycle courier
Cllr Gill Gardiner said: “Wirral is not just supporting 10:10 – we’re making it happen. We have real action planned to ensure we do our utmost to achieve this and the Council’s 60% target.
“It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a huge problem like climate change, but this campaign unites staff, members, partners, and residents behind an ambitious but real and achievable aim.
“Reducing our carbon footprint and increasing energy efficiency not only helps tackle the environment, it will also help cut costs for people at a time when money is tight during the recession.”
