by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
London's public sector is rolling out new model to tackle carbon from its buildings, which is hoped could eventually save the tax payer millions while helping to curb climate change.
So far 42 publicly owned buildings have taken advantage of the scheme, which essentially cuts red tape when it comes to procurement and tendering, while helping to make finance easier to get hold of.
The main beneficiaries so far have been fire stations, police stations and buildings associated with London's public transport network, but there are hopes that colleges, hospitals and council offices will soon be reaping the benefits too.
London Mayor Boris Johnson visited Ilford fire station some weeks ago, where the building's energy overhaul has enabled it to slash more than 40% of its carbon emissions.
A further nine fire stations, 10 Metropolitan Police Service and 22 Transport for London buildings have between them achieved on average a 27% reduction in carbon emissions and have saved £1 million off the annual fuel bills of London.
The Mayor has pledged another 58 Greater London Authority Group buildings will follow.
It is estimated if all the public sector buildings in London used this model, they could save around £500million off bills and the model can be replicated across Britain as a whole.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: 'As expectant eyes around the globe turn to Copenhagen to see whether world leaders will take action on climate change, here in London we are making a difference right now.
"Cutting energy consumption in public buildings may not sound glamorous, but it could help us save the world from the threat of irreversible climate change.
"With a third of carbon emissions coming from our buildings, giving them a green makeover, is supremely good for the planet and for the public purse.
"This innovative financing and procurement model has cut out all the time delays and hassles for public sector organizations.
"We have tested it on our own fire stations, police stations and Transport for London buildings, so we know it delivers the goods in cutting carbon but also in making substantial cost savings and stimulating the demand for low carbon skills and technologies.
"We are willing and ready to share our solution with the rest of the UK and other world cities attempting to tread the same path and I am thrilled to see a clutch of foresighted organizations have already done so."
Once again a great deal of talk.
Maybe it is time then also to cut the Christmas lights and all that. Turn computers off in public buildings, lights that aren't in use, etc. Wonder whether that will happen.
We only need to look at the waste of energy that is caused bu the stupidity of leaving lights on in disused public building just in case someone breaks in and hurts himself in the dark. I thought any self-respecting burglar carries a flashlight.
Another great pollution source, and it was used yet again this year, are the large fireworks to mark the end of the year. The tons of CO2 and other pollutants set free that way certainly make an impact; also on the public purse.
The councils all plead poverty and claim that they are unable to permit wage increases for their employees, even those at the very bottom of the ladder, and also talk of having to cut services, while at the same time they all waste thousands upon thousands on fireworks and such like.
It will not make people feel any better in this recession. And please, maybe, the British government could wake up as well, the recession is far from over. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel seems to be one of the few leaders who does not have rose-tinted glasses on and live in cloud cuckoo land.
We are in a recession-cum-depression and we may be having a little upward move presently but beware; the down stroke may be a very deep and long one. The president of the German Central Bank also has said thus.
So, wake up and smell the roses, everyone, and especially the British Prime Minister. Do these people really believe that the public are that stupid? I guess they do.
© 2010
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