Cash to reduce CO2 emissions

6:22pm Friday 25th April 2008

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A QUARTER of a million pounds will be ploughed into a raft of carbon saving projects after plans to slash City of York Council's carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent were given the go-ahead.

If the local authority fails to meet this target by 2013 it could face penalty fines under the Carbon Trading Scheme.

Schools, street lighting, council-owned properties, council-fleet transport, council waste, and social housing will all be targeted in the next five years.

Coun Andrew Waller, executive member for neighbourhood services, said he welcomed the challenge.

In a report to the executive committee, he wrote: "The potentially catastrophic consequences of global warming are a cause for action.

"We recognise that reducing our carbon footprint is something on which the council should set an example to others in the city.

"We hope that this strong lead will encourage other employers, organisations and individuals within the city to follow."

The council's carbon management fund could be boosted to £500,000 if a bid for a £250,000 grant from the company Salix is successful.

In the long term, the investment will save money for the council due to reduced energy bills.

By 2013, council bosses aim to be saving 5,810 tonnes of CO2 and £263,000 every year.

In a report to the executive committee, Richard Rugg, of the Carbon Trust, wrote: "The Carbon Trust is very proud to support City of York Council in its ongoing implementation of carbon management. Cutting carbon emissions as a part of the fight against climate change should be a key priority for local authorities."