County wins regional carbon-reduction award

The council has scooped the top award in the Public Sector Commitment to Carbon Reduction category in the 2007 South East Low Carbon Awards.

The award, presented recently by BBC South political editor Peter Henley at a ceremony at Southampton University, was given after the county council impressed the judges with its action plan to cut carbon emissions.

Deputy leader Cllr Tony Reid says the council is now recognised as a leader among local authorities in the South East when it comes to cutting carbon.

"We've made great strides over the last few years to get our own house in order by cutting our carbon footprint.

"We've backed our words with actions and put in place a number of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, which have not only cut our carbon emissions by over 14% over the last five years but are also helping to reduce the County Council's energy bills '“ which is a win-win situation. Of course we still have a long way to go but we have a forward programme of investment in more schemes to cut our carbon footprint further."

Carbon-cutting initiatives at East Sussex include:

'¢ An overall Carbon Management Action Plan which includes a target to reduce carbon. Emissions are already 14.6% lower than they were five years ago and the council is on track to reduce emissions still further.

'¢ A special fund of over 250,000 set aside for projects that cut carbon. St Paul's Primary in St Leonards became the first school in the county to benefit by borrowing funds to improve its heating system '“ cutting fuel bills and carbon emissions.

'¢ All council buildings including schools are supplied with 'green' electricity (which aims to use power generated from renewable energy sources). The Council also has a programme to increase the use of green electricity to power street lights.

'¢ A series of renewable energy schemes, such as the biomass boiler project at Beacon Community College in Crowborough, ground source heat pump at Park Mead School in Upper Dicker near Hailsham and a programme to improve heating systems and boiler controls in other schools right across the county.

'¢Support for local businesses to go green, including grants and free energy audits to help them reduce their impact on the environment and save money in the process.

The South East Low Carbon Awards recognise and reward businesses, schools, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and individuals who have worked hard to reduce their carbon emissions and help create a low carbon economy.