Cutting Council Carbon by 40%... While saving taxpayers £8 million!

This week saw the launch of the Council's Carbon Management Plan. That doesn't sound very exciting, I know. However, it sets out how the Council is going to cut its carbon emissions by a massive 40% by March 2015, and save taxpayers £8 million! If you ask me, that really is something to shout about. In fact, by the end of the 5 year programme, the ongoing saving to the Council through this plan, which has been produced in partnership with the Carbon Trust, will be almost £1.5 million.

I wouldn't usually suggest that people wade through council documents or plans, but I really do recommend you have a look at the Carbon Management Plan to see the sorts of actions we are taking. They range from major schemes such as the refurbishment of the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Museum which will involve a 10% cut in emissions, to the introduction of new Dyson Airblade hand dryers in the toilets at Council buildings! The Council's vehicle fleet is responsible for a considerable amount of its emissions, of course, and we are making a real effort to reduce the environmental impact of our vehicles. One of the areas we're looking at is alternative fuels, and we currently have a couple of biogas vehicles on trial. They were there at the launch event this week, and Deputy Mayor Charles Royden and I were able to have a look, before a short test drive!

The Council's carbon management plan can be read here (see appendix 1 after clicking on the link): http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/documents/Item%208%20110308_Carbon%20Management%20Plan.pdf?id=7924