Environmental Sustainability

Energy

The challenge of climate change

Burning coal, oil and gas (fossil fuels) for energy used in industry, homes and transport is increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

This has caused temperatures throughout the world to rise by 0.6°C over the last 100 years and unless we reduce CO2 emissions, climate change will have a huge effect on the world's economy, society and wildlife.

Climate change is recognised as being one of the biggest problems facing the world and governments worldwide are trying to reduce their CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases.

Using energy efficiently and increasing renewable energy

The solutions for reducing our climate change impact are well known and easily available - they involve using energy more efficiently and increasing the use of renewable energy.

To reduce CO2 emissions we must take action locally. Just like all local authorities, we and our partners have an important role to play in encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy. Energy use in offices, shops, industry and houses can be reduced by installing a number of simple measures.

For example, the fuel bill of the average home can be reduced by one-third through simple insulation measures. Energy efficiency in your home.

We have produced a Sustainable Energy Strategy which aims to address CO2 emissions in the borough.

One of the ways we can do this is by reducing the energy consumption of our own buildings. We have developed a Carbon Management Programme which will deliver a 20% reduction in energy consumption over the next 3 years through a combination of technical controls and energy aware behaviour.

This is also being done through the Energy Action Area in Barking Town Centre which aims to ensure the regeneration of the town centre is an example of best practice in energy efficiency and renewable energy.