Liberal Democrats in Uttlesford Back Zero Carbon Britain

5.26.05pm GMT Tue 1st Jan 2008

The Liberal Democrats are commited to a carbon neutral Britain.

Local Liberal Democrats have backed calls to make Britain carbon-free by 2050.

Cllr Peter Wilcock, Leader of Uttlesford Lib Dem Council Group, speaking at a meeting of members in Uttlesford said, "Liberal Democrats have put forward proposals to move Britain from use of fuels that produce carbon which leads to global warming.

"In their place we will have electricity generated from clean, green sources such as wind and wave or bio-fuels. The change over will be gradual but we are aiming to have all the UK's fuel produced from carbon-free sources by 2050.

"Liberal Democrats here in Uttlesford are disappointed to learn that both Labour and the Conservatives back more nuclear power stations.

"Whilst nuclear is carbon free, it does leave behind a legacy of highly toxic waste that will last for generations. It is not a safe, clean alternative and Liberal Democrats oppose Conservative and Labour support for more nuclear power.

"We will continue to argue for energy to be used in an efficient way and for it to be generated from green, renewable sources."

"Indeed Uttlesford merited a special mention for Uttlesford District Council in the Local Government Association's Independent Climate Change Commission report. Uttlesford is quoted as a case study in the report. It is the first council in the UK to introduce a planning requirement to carry out simple, cost-effective energy efficiency measures on a house when it is extended, helping to offset the resulting additional energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. Council building surveyors give expert advice to home owners and builders on how to meet the requirement".

"These measures considered in each case include: loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught stripping, central heating controls upgrade, boiler replacement, low energy light bulbs and cylinder insulation"

Last year Uttlesford was one of only five local authorities short-listed in the 'public sector' category of the National Energy Efficiency Awards for this innovative planning initiative. For further information, see: http://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/climate+change+and+energy/energy+efficiency+condition.htm