A COUNCIL is bidding to reduce its carbon footprint by installing energy saving devices - and wants residents to follow its lead.

The scheme by Burnley Borough Council got underway at Burnley Town Hall today with town hall bosses pledging to reduce its energy use by five per cent a year.

A dedicated team from the council will now work closely with the Carbon Trust to drive forward its programme to conserve energy and reduce its carbon emissions.

Measures being considered by the council include installing movement activated lighting, energy-saving bulbs and making buildings more efficient.

The council is hoping that residents in Burnley will follow its example and try to reduce their own carbon footprint.

Council leader Gordon Birtwistle, said: “As community leaders we have a duty to take a lead on issue’s as important as climate change and energy conservation and that’s why we are working with the Carbon Trust.

“It’s our aim as a council to reduce our energy consumption by five per cent per annum and thereby reduce the councils energy bills in the process. To achieve this we are looking at a number of measures including installing movement activated lights in corridors and replacing old bulbs and fluorescent tubes with more efficient models as well as reviewing ways to make our buildings more energy efficient.

“Not only does this save money it also encourages the growth of a low carbon economy in Burnley as well as making a local contribution to combating climate change.”

The Carbon Trust works with organisations across the country to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies.

In 2003 it set up the Local Authorities Carbon Management Programme (LACM) with the specific aim of working with local authorities to identify those emissions under their control and find ways to reduce them.

Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow said: “The government’s draft Climate Change Bill places an emphasis on local authorities setting a leading example on tackling climate change. Joining the Carbon Trust’s LACM is clearly the most effective way a council like us can begin to realise energy and carbon emissions savings.

“We will be benefiting from specialist technical and change management guidance and support as well as sharing ideas and best practice with the 74 other local authorities across the country who are participating in the latest phase of the programme.”

Coun Birtwistle and Mr Rumbelow were joined at the launch by Lorna Barnes and Jon Taylor from The Carbon Trust.

Good idea by the council? Add your comments below.