Looking for Ways to Save Energy and Cut Carbon Emissions

North Norfolk District Council's Scrutiny Committee wants the Council to undergo an "energy audit" to see how much it spends on power and heating, and look at new ways to source and save energy.

After hearing a presentation by Dr Bruce Tofield from the UEA-based CRed carbon reduction programme yesterday [Wednesday, 18 January, 2006], the Scrutiny Committee agreed:
• to recommend to NNDC's Cabinet that an energy-efficiency audit of Council offices and vehicles is carried out;
• that two focus groups be set up to implement the recommendations of the audit: one to investigate alternative sources of energy and ways to reduce consumption, to help the Council itself cut carbon emissions, while another looks at external issues like how planning policy can better accommodate energy-saving and other sustainable features in buildings.

In 2004/05, NNDC's electricity bill for its Cromer office alone was more than £22,000. NNDC signed up to the CRed campaign in July 2004, giving a commitment to work towards a reduction in carbon emissions of 60 per cent by 2025.

The committee heard that CRed's work with schools, councils, businesses and other organisations has seen radical reductions in energy usage. At Bignold School in Norwich, for example, a "switch off" campaign to get lights, computers and other electrical devices turned off when not is use saw a 40% reduction in electricity consumption.

Councillor Angie Tillett, Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, said: "It's all very well looking for alternative energy suppliers, and we should do that, but if everyone's going to leave the lights on there's little point. We need to do these things hand-in-hand."

Dr Tofield praised NNDC for running the annual Green Build event, to be held this year at Sheringham Park on 29 and 30 April. Green Build encourages people to include energy-saving features and environmentally-friendly materials in DIY or building projects, and is also aimed at spreading environmental awareness through the building trade.

Dr Tofield said: "It's important to create examples that other people want to follow. Buildings last for decades, so if you don't get it right now, you've got something that's not right for many years to come."

For more information about CRed, see: www.cred-uk.org
The media are welcome to call Councillor Angie Tillett on 07810 373571 for comment.

ENDS