Energy Saving Week 2008

(Date of issue: Monday, 20 October 2008)

Carlisle City Council are proud supporters of the Energy Saving Trust’s 12th Energy Saving Week. We are encouraging all of the members of Carlisle City Council (that’s staff, suppliers and customers) to join in and do their bit to help reduce the UK’s carbon emissions. Here are some handy links to help you get involved during Energy Saving Week and find out more about how you can save energy at home.

This years Energy Saving Week runs from Monday 20 October through to Sunday 26 October 2008. Now in its 12th year, Energy Saving Week will be challenging people to discover their carbon footprint and adopt energy saving measures to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Why bother?

There is strong evidence that human activity is changing the climate. The increase in carbon emissions in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels and cutting down trees is causing global warming. This will lead to more extreme weather events, with an increase in the number of storms, rising sea levels and frequent heat waves. These changes will have a marked impact on our lifestyles. Tackling climate change can seem daunting. But we can all take action to reduce carbon emissions.

Cutting carbon emissions as part of the fight against climate change should be a key priority for local authorities. The UK government has identified the local authority sector as key to delivering carbon reduction across the UK inline with its Kyoto commitments.

Carlisle City Council, continues to demonstrate leadership in the area of climate change action, by actively reducing our own direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Council consumes more than 5 million kw/h of electricity per year, and is leading by example to implement a Carbon Management Plan with support from the Carbon Trust. This means that we will see an improvement in energy efficiency of Council buildings, as well as street lighting and vehicles.

Quote:

Cllr Ray Bloxham portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure said: ‘‘as a signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change we must reduce our energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and explore renewable energy. Our corporate aim is to be Cleaner, Greener & Safer taking responsibility for managing the environmental impact of our activities and aim to continually improve our ‘in house’ environmental performance.’’

Tips for Energy saving in the home:

Detailed Energy saving tips to reduce fuel bills and help prevent climate change can be found at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Guide to Energy Saving Grants is now free to download at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/guidetogrants This guide has been created to not only help UK householders save energy but also emphasise the fact you don’t have to be on a low income to get a grant, advice or information. The publication includes energy saving tips, information about how to generate your own energy, and how to apply for a grant. It clearly explains the different stages of the journey which UK householders should take in order to make their home more energy efficient.

An interactive Home Energy Check: Energy Savings Checklist that provides a personalised report to help users reduce their energy consumption and save up to £270 a year in your home.