Following extensive consultations with local people, Trafford council has developed a 3 year sustainability strategy focusing on issues such as climate change and fuel poverty.
Over half million tonnes of carbon dioxide is produced from homes
in Trafford every year - that's about a quarter of the total emissions
in the borough.
The strategy will promote energy efficiency in existing homes in Trafford's 90,000 homes.
Reducing the council's own energy use and working with schools,
leisure centres and housing associations to minimise their own impact
on climate change feature in the plan.
The fundamental approach is to help businesses and residents to
save money on their fuel bills and help save the planet at the same
time. A council tax rebate of £70 is being given to people who install
energy efficiency measures such as loft or cavity wall insulation under
the council's scheme (with a financial payback for residents of around
two years and saving at least £100 per household). The council is
working with Action for Sustainable Living to roll out this programme
in eleven wards.
The council is working to cut carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2020 through these measures across the borough.
This includes actions to make the most of wood resources and
supporting businesses to prepare themselves for a low carbon
environment.
It will also ensure that future planning permission is only given to developments that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
More details of the new initiatives can be found on the council's Trafford is my planet website
Trafford Council is also funding AfSL to provide services across the borough during 2008/2009.
