City beating government CO2 target

Jun 9 2009 by Paul Dale, Birmingham Post

Birmingham is outstripping Government targets to cut carbon dioxide emissions, thanks to a new generation of green-aware households.

CO2 levels fell by 103,000 tonnes last year, with most of the savings coming from homes switching to energy-saving lightbulbs and installing loft insulation.

The figure just beat Birmingham Environmental Partnership’s 100,000 tonne target and puts the city on course to reduce emissions by 60 per cent by 2026.

Almost three-quarters of the total CO2 savings came from lifestyle changes by households, according to research by the city council. But the total reduction is probably far higher, according to deputy council leader Paul Tilsley.

He said savings from businesses and public buildings were likely to have been far greater, particularly among the 40,000 small businesses where it had proved difficult to obtain reliable information on efforts to cut emissions.

Public bodies led the way among the business sector, with Birmingham’s hospitals and NHS Primary Care Trusts saving 8,912 tonnes of CO2.

Heartlands Hospital alone has cut its carbon footprint by 50 per cent, while the Government Office for the West Midlands saved 456 tonnes.

The city council’s waste recycling programme contributed a CO2 saving of almost 16,000 tonnes. Students at Aston University did their bit, delivering a total saving of 110 tonnes by switching off lights in halls of residence.

And West Midlands Police reduced its carbon footprint by 250 tonnes after shifting from petrol to diesel vehicles.

This year’s carbon reduction target for Birmingham has been increased to 120,000 tonnes. Coun Tilsley (Lib Dem Sheldon) said the figure could be achieved if each person in the city replaced five lightbulbs with energy-saving bulbs.

He added: “This is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations must go out to the people of Birmingham for their efforts to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Birmingham has again demonstrated that it is leading the way on reducing emissions, working towards a 60 per cent cut by 2026.

n For advice on how to be energy efficient within your home visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ or call 0800 512 012.