Bradford Council highlighted in climate change inquiry » Environment » 24dash.com

A Parliamentary group report into making cities greener has highlighted the work of Bradford Council in reducing carbon emissions.

The report, by the All Party Urban Development Group, looks at what needs to be done by both the public and private sectors to reduce the energy use of existing non-domestic buildings in UK cities.

It looked at barriers to reducing carbon emissions, including:

• Availability of information.
• The costs of fitting environmental technology into old buildings.
• The age and location of buildings.

Richard Isaac, a Policy Officer at Bradford Council, who oversees the Council's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), gave evidence at the inquiry about a project to reduce energy use and increase recycling in the Kirkgate Shopping Centre.

The award-winning scheme resulted in an 18 per cent reduction in electricity consumption and a 19 per cent reduction in gas usage.

The scheme was highlighted as a good example of how local authorities can work with owners and tenants of buildings to cut down energy use.

Mr Isaac said: "Our work with the Kirkgate Shopping Centre shows that simple, but effective, methods of saving energy such as switching off lights and increasing recycling can make a huge difference.

"Owners and tenants of buildings do not have to spend a great deal of money installing expensive devices to cut down on carbon emissions."

The report makes eight recommendations to Government and cities, including encouraging local authorities to take a key role in giving advice to owners and occupiers on energy saving and leading by example by looking at their own energy use and carbon emissions.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: "I am pleased that Bradford Council has been chosen as an example of good practice.

"We have worked hard to take a lead on tackling climate change and our experience is now being used to help others do the same."

A spokesman for Centre for Cities, which provides secretarial support for the All Party Urban Development Group, said: "Bradford's work with the Kirkgate Shopping Centre shows that cities can play a key role in facilitating partnerships between property owners, and occupiers, as well as raising awareness about energy efficiency and highlighting good practice out there."