Selby District Council targets air quality improvement

Selby District Council has announced that it intends to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are generated by its vehicles by ten per cent.

The latest target - which represents cuts of more than 200,000 kg of CO2 - is part of the council's wider strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the environment.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, chair of the council's Environment Board, commented: "Reducing carbon emissions relating to travel is a key way in which we can make a difference right now - it's about smarter working."

Changes have already been made in the district to reduce the amount of mileage among its refuse collection vehicles. The new proposals will also focus on staff travel, waste and cleaning services.

Selby District Council signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change in 2006, which affirmed its commitment to tackling the issue.

In its climate change strategy, the organisation outlined some of the effects of global warming that could affect the area. These included an increased risk of flooding due to predicted sea level rises and potentially heavier winter rains.

Posted by Joseph Hutton