Birmingham Lib Dems Lead Climate Change Fight

10.55.00pm GMT Tue 1st Dec 2009

A Greener Birmingham: Lib Dem Councillor Paul Tilsley has said that the Birmingham Declaration will encourage manufacturers to invest in green technologies, develop new products and create fresh employment opportunities.

Birmingham City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change and adopted the "Birmingham Declaration" at its meeting on 1 December 2009. It agreed to a Lib Dem proposal to use its purchasing power and influence to promote green initiatives and provide significant employment opportunities for Birmingham people.

"Birmingham has a role to play in raising expectations and setting an example," said Councillor Paul Tilsley, Leader of the Lib Dem Council Group, who proposed the motion. "The Birmingham Declaration is a real opportunity for us to drive a low carbon economy. It can give manufacturers the confidence to invest in green technologies, to develop new products and to create fresh employment opportunities."

"We want to procure electric or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) powered vehicles. There is also a commitment to refitting homes in Birmingham to improve insulation and reduce fuel poverty. Achieving the objectives will significantly reduce carbon emissions and make Birmingham a cleaner and greener city."

Seconding the motion, Councillor Ayoub Khan said: "This motion clearly establishes a framework where we as a Council can take positive measures to tackle climate change by setting clear and measurable targets. By working together local government can stimulate demand for environmentally friendly vehicles and champion district heating schemes."

The declaration states that by 2015:

• All vehicles procured by the Council should be electrically powered or run on liquefied petroleum gas.

• There will be at least 500 electric cars running on the streets of the city as we develop the electric charging infrastructure.

• 50% of electricity used by the Council should be generated from renewable sources.

• The City Council's energy consumption will be reduced by 25%.

• 10% of Birmingham homes will be linked to district heating systems.

• 10% of Birmingham homes will have retrofit insulation.

• There will be at least 10 "low carbon communities" similar to the successful example of Summerfield Eco-neighbourhood.

The declaration is intended to help Birmingham meet its target of reducing CO2 emissions in the city by more than 60% by 2026.

Related Link:

Birmingham Declaration.