Council looks into cutting emissions

The council’s carbon and water management plan 2011-21 outlines how it intends to achieve the target with buildings being one of the biggest areas being targeted, as nearly two-thirds of the council’s carbon emissions come from its main buildings and schools.

Coun Tom Murray, executive member for environmental services for Leeds City Council, said: “We need to lead the way for the city in conducting our operations responsibly and with energy prices increasing and penalties and taxes payable on emissions we must keep costs down.”

Office-sharing where appropriate could also free up buildings where it makes sense to do so. Ways of making street lighting in the city more efficient and alterations to timers could also be considered.

Better route-planning for the council’s vehicles will make journeys more efficient. It is also exploring ways to generate electricity via wind turbines, solar and water power and combined heat and power systems.