Hebden Bridge News

Council Achieves Carbon Trust Standard

Calderdale Council has received national recognition for reducing its carbon footprint. The Council has achieved the national Carbon Trust Standard certificate after assessors identified a number of key projects which show how Calderdale Council is reducing its CO2 emissions year on year.

They include:

• Switching all Council fleet vehicles so they run on five per cent bio-diesel blend
• Fitting energy-saving pool covers at Halifax Pool, Sowerby Bridge Pool and Todmorden Sports Centre
• Creating a straw bale extension at Shelf Village Hall to house Shelf Library
• Installing a ground source heat pump at Shibden Hall’s Mereside cafe.

A significant increase in the efficiency of Calderdale’s schools was also highlighted by assessors. Although many schools are now open longer hours for after school clubs and community use their overall energy use has only increased by a small amount.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, portfolio holder for economy and environment, said it was fantastic news and a great achievement for all staff.

“This award shows that Calderdale Council is at the forefront when it comes to tackling climate change.

“We have already made great progress but we mustn’t become complacent. The Carbon Trust Standard requires us to continue reducing our carbon footprint so we can maintain this standard.

“The Council is committed to acting on climate change and a number of new initiatives are already underway to reduce our footprint even further.”

The Carbon Trust Standard is awarded to organisations that measure, manage and reduce their carbon footprint. Organisations that achieve the Standard are taking real action to reduce their direct impact on climate change.

Visit The Carbon Trust Standard Website