Birmingham Lib Dems Lead Climate Change Fight

8.31.00pm GMT Wed 9th Dec 2009

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.

Councillor Ayoub Khan, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Birmingham Ladywood, seconded the motion and focused on the successful Summerfield eco-neighbourhood, which is to be rolled out across the city. He said, "The Summerfield eco-neighbourhood has proved to be very successful in cutting carbon emissions and just as importantly reducing residents fuel bills. Summerfield is a neighbourhood with incomes below the city average and the project has been declared a success by local and nationally recognised organisations.

"To have another 10 low carbon communities where homes can be fitted with solar panels and other carbon reduction measures will send a clear message that this council is serious about tackling climate change.

"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 will 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.