Posted by Bristol has joined some of the UK’s biggest cities to cut greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to a charity set up by former US president Bill Clinton.
The ‘Core Cities Group’ of Bristol, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham have endorsed a programme run by the Clinton Climate Initiative.
Bill Clinton: Foundation he created will help cities to cut carbon emissions
The cities’ councils aim to work together and with the Greater London Authority to cut greenhouse gas emissions over the next two years, starting with improving energy efficiency of their buildings.
The scheme was announced at a “core cities summit” in Liverpool on Thursday by Cllr John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, who said: “This gives us the chance to demonstrate our commitment to addressing climate change, show leadership, and show that we are acting together to reduce carbon emissions across all our cities on a big scale.”
The action plan is seen as an important step towards reducing emissions in the UK. According to the Core Cities Group, more than one-third of energy is consumed in buildings worldwide, accounting for about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In cities, buildings can account for up to 80% of CO2 emissions.
A spokesman for Bristol City Council said the city was “committed to tackling climate change” and that the agreement to work with the Core Group built on existing commitments.
Last month, the council announced it was signing the 10:10 pledge, aiming for a 10% reduction in its own carbon emissions in 2010 – and as part of its Green Capital Action Plan has committed to cut its own emissions by 3% per year.
“A number of initiatives are currently underway, including installing biomass boilers in some schools and other public buildings, which burn locally sourced waste woodchip instead of fossil fuels, and the project to develop two
wind turbines at Avonmouth that will meet 20% of the council’s annual electricity needs when built,” the spokesman said.
“The Energy Management Unit has significantly promoted energy efficiency over the last five years and has invested over £1,4m in 319 projects, saving 2,916 tonnes of carbon. It is also part of an innovative European project using Display Energy Certificates to communicate with staff and the public how Bristol City Council’s buildings are performing in terms of energy and carbon and to promote energy saving action.”
London has taken the lead with the Clinton Climate Initiative, with 42 buildings currently being retrofitted under the first stage of the programme and has committed another 58 buildings to follow.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said the work would cut the capital’s public fuel bill by £1million as a result, adding: “Programmes such as these are stimulating a low carbon economy in London along with all the benefits this brings for jobs and in safeguarding the environment.”
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