Brighton scoops cash to cut carbon emissions

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Published by webmaster for 24dash.com in Environment
Friday 18th May 2007 - 2:56pm

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TODAY IN ENVIRONMENT

Funds will help Brighton reduce carbon emissions

Brighton & Hove City Council has been awarded £200,000 by the Carbon Trust to help carry out initiatives to cut its carbon emissions by 20% over the next 5 years.

The council will match the £200,000 award with an additional £250,000 of its own money, which combined, will enable a wide range of energy saving investments including the installation of eight wind turbines on the roof and one on the lawn at Kings House council offices in Grand Avenue, Hove.

The council will also purchase two small wind turbines for West Hove Children’s Centre.

To mark the award, the Carbon Trust’s Regional Manager, Peter Mallaburn, will be visiting Brighton & Hove’s award winning Downs View Link College for 16-19 year olds with learning difficulties, where he will be given a tour of the new high spec building with its energy efficient design, wind turbine and carbon counter, which constantly measures the energy the college is saving.

The council will run a detailed energy audit of all its buildings, including schools and offices, to find out how they can be made more energy efficient, as well as producing plans for the perfect eco- office, using the most energy efficient appliances and power saving devices, insulation and double glazing. Plans for eco-kitchens and eco-toilets will also be drawn up.

Head of sustainability, Thurstan Crockett, said: “This money will help us realise our plans to make a real difference on climate change. As one of the largest employers in the city, other businesses look to the council to lead the way on this issue.

"In the summer we’re planning a seminar with businesses leaders in the city to share our knowledge and experience of reducing carbon emissions.”

The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit organisation set up by the government, which aims to help businesses and public sector organisations to reduce their carbon emissions.

Brighton & Hove City Council has just completed the Local Authority Carbon Management Programme run by the Carbon Trust and now has a five year strategy and implementation plan for reducing its emissions.

Richard Rugg, Public Sector Manager at the Carbon Trust, said: “The city council’s support and enthusiasm for sustainability issues is impressive.”