Reduced Carbon Footprint
According to figures released by the Climate Change Department – Green efforts by the great British public are starting to pay off. The data shows that more than three-quarters of local councils across the UK have reduced their carbon emissions over a two-year period, and that Greater London boasts the lowest emissions per person.
The statistics, covering emissions from homes, businesses, road transport and land use across each area, showed that there were reductions for 335 out of 434 local authorities in the period 2005 to 2007, and also revealed a slight fall in UK-wide emissions, which dropped 2% over the same period, however, some councils did see their carbon footprint increase.
Greater London produces the lowest emissions per person, at six tonnes each, in comparison to the North East which had the highest level at 12.5 tonnes per person in 2007. Interestingly, the North East was also the region with the biggest improvement for the two years preceding. Local and regional figures reflect on the density of the population along with energy use and business activity in any given area.
David Kidney, Energy and Climate Change Minister, said that he is very encouraged by the published results. He continued by saying that every community in the country is working to reduce their carbon footprint -local Authorities are at the heart of the community and as such are able to set an example on tackling climate change via their own actions.
Further more, Mr Kidney advised that the government is helping people as well as businesses to save energy, cut emissions and save money, and that their plans include every home having a smart meter to monitor energy use by 2020, more homes will be insulated, incentives will be provided for businesses to go green and that they will be targeting support to those vulnerable people who need it most.
Source article;
http://www.greenenergy.uk.com/Article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=130