Lib Dem council backs 10:10 campaign

11.13.00am GMT Thu 3rd Dec 2009

Ann De Vecchi, Lib Dem leader of Lewes District Council, is pushing the council to cut its emissions.

Lib Dem-run Lewes District Council has backed the 10:10 campaign, to cut carbon emissions by 10% in 2010.

District council leader Ann De Vecchi says: "As a Lib Dem-run council, Lewes District is serious about tackling climate change. I am pleased that councillors have backed this campaign. We have already taken great strides as a council and will be working to cut our emissions further. Most of our emissions come from our buildings. While we would like to get them all to the highest possible standard immediately, this will need serious government investment.

Conservatives on Lewes District Council abstained on the motion. The leader of the Conservative opposition group has previously questioned whether climate change is man-made.

Ann continues: "In recent months the true colour of the Toxic Tories has begun to resurface. While David Cameron attempts to green-wash the party, he can't hide the fact that many of his members, including councillors here in Lewes, do not believe the science behind climate change. This has been demonstrated by the Conservative administration on East Sussex County Council which is pursuing an environmentally disastrous waste policy such as building the incinerator in Newhaven."

Lewes District Council is EMAS accredited meaning it accounts for the environmental impacts of everything it does. The Lib Dems also brought in eco-budgeting to make sure that the environment was considered as a key part of the budgeting process.

Earlier this year the Lib Dems set a target to cut carbon emissions, and the council had previously taken steps to address its carbon emissions, including:

1. Updated vehicles to ensure lowest CO2 emissions compatible with efficiency

2. Used electric vehicles, powered by renewables, to collect recycling

3. Changed boilers from oil to gas

4. Placed CO2 limits on vehicles

5. Ensured that our major contractors have environmental management systems in place

6. Introduced Automated Meter Readings into our major buildings to manage energy consumption