Bradford Council has been selected to help the Government tackle climate change.
A Council officer who has been involved in a pioneering project to reduce carbon emissions at the Kirkgate Shopping Centre in the city centre has been invited to a parliamentary inquiry to give evidence.
Richard Isaac, from the Council's Environmental Policy Unit, will represent the Council at the All Party Urban Development Group's inquiry into climate change and the urban built environment on Monday (May 12).
Bradford Council has been asked to take part in this inquiry to look into what cities can do to reduce the carbon emissions of commercial buildings - like the Kirkgate Shopping Centre. It is the only local authority invited to take part, along with representatives from the London Climate Change Agency, the Carbon Trust and the John Lewis Partnership.
He will present evidence about how city leaders can work together with the private sector to deliver greener buildings and the role of educational campaigns in achieving this.
He will share the experience of working with the Kirkgate Shopping Centre and Bradford Council's markets service last year on a scheme to increase recycling, reduce energy and water use and manage waste produced by the centre better.
The scheme received an award for Environmental Innovation from DEFRA and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment in July 2007 and was shortlisted for the Environmental Management Award of the Year 2007 in the Sceptre retail awards.
Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: "The Kirkgate Centre is an excellent example of what happens when local authorities and businesses work together to share expertise and ideas on how to reduce carbon emissions and save energy.
"Bradford Council has received national and international recognition for the work it does to help businesses reduce their carbon emissions and raise awareness of climate change. I am pleased that we are the only local authority to be invited to share the lessons we have learnt with the Government."
Adam Marshall, Head of Policy at the Centre for Cities (which provides secretarial services for the All Party Urban Development Group) said: "We are very pleased that Bradford Council is participating in this inquiry. Commercial buildings contribute a fifth of all carbon emissions so it's crucial we act now to increase their efficiency.
"We will be looking into what city leaders, ministers, property owners and occupiers can do to reduce the carbon footprint of this country's offices, shops and factories."
Officer/Contact
Richard Isaac
EMAS Policy Officer
Telephone: 01274 431842
Media Relations Officer
Sarah Linley
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 12.05.08
