Wandsworth Council has committed to cutting its carbon footprint by making its buildings more fuel efficient by using eco-friendly power sources.

Since 2000 it has cut energy consumption in its buildings by 11 per cent - beating its 10 per cent target - and is introducing further measures to reduce energy use.

This includes the use of solar panels to provide hot water in council housing estates and sheltered housing accommodation, improving cavity wall and loft insulation and improvements to lighting and heating controls.

The council’s environment spokesman, Councillor Sarah McDermott, said: “We are committed to reducing emissions and in recognition of the importance of addressing climate change locally, we signed the Nottingham Declaration earlier this year pledging to address the causes of climate change and to prepare residents for its impacts.

“I also know that any saving we can make on our fuel bills in these cash-strapped times will also be appreciated by residents.”

Wandsworth is one of 68 local authorities across Great Britain to participate in the Carbon Trust’s (CT) Local Authorities Carbon Management programme, which encourages councils to commit to collectively reduce their carbon footprints by 395,000 tonnes and energy costs by an estimated £60m a year.

Tom Cumberlege from the CT said: “When it comes to taking action on climate change, local authorities are in a unique position to be clear leaders and work together with local businesses and residents.

"The good news is that energy is one of the largest controllable overheads for councils and implementing good carbon management can lead to significant cash savings on bills.”

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