Birmingham City Council has thrown down the gauntlet to local authorities across the UK by announcing its intention to publish the Birmingham Declaration on climate change.
The declaration, set to be put before councillors today, will underline the city’s ambition to be at the forefront of the effort nationally and internationally to tackle issues around sustainability.
Underpinning the declaration is a plan to use the council’s purchasing power and influence as a vehicle to stimulate green initiatives which will provide significant employment opportunities for Birmingham’s people and reduce energy bills for citizens and businesses alike.
The declaration – which it is hoped will be adopted by other councils across the UK – states that by 2015:
All vehicles procured by the council should be electrically powered or run on liquefied petroleum gas
There will be at least 500 electric cars running on the streets of the city as we will develop the electric charging infrastructure
50 per cent of electricity used by the council should be generated from renewable sources
The city council’s energy consumption will be reduced by 25 per cent
Ten per cent of Birmingham homes will be lined to district heating systems
Ten per cent of Birmingham homes will have retrofit insulation
There will be at least ten “low carbon communities” similar to the successful example of Summerfield Eco-neighbourhood
It is envisaged that the declaration will help Birmingham meet its ambitious target of reducing CO2 levels in the city by 60 per cent by 2026 when compared to 1990 levels. The declaration will also be promoted to delegates from around the world at the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen next month.
Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham over the last few years has developed a strong reputation as a national leader on the issues of climate change and sustainability.
“We are now seeking to take that onto the next level with the Birmingham Declaration which we think is something that other local authorities could adopt in part or whole as they attempt to tackle environmental matters.
“The combined purchasing power of local government, coupled with the objectives outlined in this declaration can give manufacturers the confidence to invest in green technologies, to develop new products and to therefore create fresh employment opportunities that would have never existed before.
“By achieving the objectives we have set, we will significantly reduce carbon emissions and make Birmingham a cleaner and greener city.”