Hackney signs Nottingham Delaration on climate change » Environment » 24dash.com

Hackney has pledged its commitment to tackling climate change by signing the Nottingham Declaration this week.

Mayor Jules Pipe and Chief Executive, Tim Shields, have signed the declaration, and the council now joins more than 200 others across the country.

The Nottingham Declaration is a pledge recognising that climate change is threatening the environment, and to work with residents, businesses and other organisations to reduce carbon emissions.

Many residents in Hackney are already making important changes, but local authorities also have a crucial role to play in responding to the challenge.

The council is doing a lot of work to make Hackney greener, including changing parking permit prices to encourage greener vehicles; installing solar-powered pay-and-display machines; and new office premises with alternatives to air-conditioning.

Last October, the council won the Best Performing Public Sector Organisation category at the Mayor of London’s Green Procurement Code Awards.

Hackney Homes has also replaced more than 8,000 light bulbs with low-energy ones, while average recycling rates are also currently at 22 per cent, higher than a statutory target of 20 per cent.

Hackney is also producing its own climate change strategy, which will include key targets to help make the council and the borough greener.

Councillor Jamie Carswell, Deputy Mayor of said: “We all need to do our bit for the environment, and signing the Nottingham Declaration further demonstrates the council’s commitment to helping make Hackney a cleaner, greener borough.”

Councillor Sophie Linden, Cabinet Adviser for Environmental Sustainability, said: “The council is now in a good position to be signing the Nottingham Declaration, after working hard to drive up recycling rates, and leading the way in sustainable procurement.

“This further demonstrates the council's commitment to tackling climate change in an open and accountable way.

“Reducing how much energy we consume will not only make a difference for the future, but can also help residents and businesses to save money.”