The council is doing its bit – now it’s time for Leeds to do the same

A council has pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 40% - and is planning on making sure the rest of Leeds does the same.

Leeds City Council councillors have pledged not only to cut 40% of the council’s carbon emissions by 2020, but also to do the same to the city’s emissions.

This radical move means the council must devise ways to work with businesses and residents to drive down the city’s carbon emissions, not just those of civic and council-owned buildings and the services it provides.

The plan is to find innovative ways to fight climate change, including setting ‘carbon budgets’ for both the council and the city, giving help to businesses to increase their energy efficiency and providing support for commercial power ‘microgeneration’, such as wind turbines and solar panels. Residents and businesses alike stand to benefit financially with reduced bills, more efficient services while helping secure the future of the city.

Councillor James Monaghan, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for environmental services, said:
“The council is already well on its way towards the target of cutting its carbon emissions by 40% by 2020, but we want that cut to apply to the whole city.
“This is a bold pledge but bold moves are needed if Leeds is to lead the fight against climate change.
“Over the next few years we hope to work with organisations, businesses and residents to achieve this goal, and we’re confident that together we can do it.”

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Michael Molcher, Leeds City Council (0113) 224 3937
e-mail: michael.molcher@leeds.gov.uk