Merton Council has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010 after signing up to a pioneering environmental campaign.
By joining the national 10:10 initiative, the local authority will need to overhaul its fleet of vehicles with more efficient engines, able to run on biodiesel, and identify ways to make the borough’s street lighting and council buildings more energy efficient.
Each tonne of CO2 released into the atmosphere due to the council’s energy consumption costs the taxpayers about £150 per year. These proposed climate saving measures will result in annual savings of £150,000 in fuel bills.
Merton Council cabinet member for environment, Councillor David Simpson, said: “We want to continue to lead the way and set an example for others to follow.
“Signing up to 10:10 demonstrates our clear and continuing support for initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and I would encourage local residents, schools and businesses to sign up too.”
The council is also considering installing a combined heat and power system in the civic centre powered using vegetable oil and supplying the building with electricity.
Information on the action being taken by Merton Council on climate change can be found at merton.gov.uk/climatechange.
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