Council staff go green

Date published: 20 July 2009

COUNCIL workers are becoming eco-champions to help save the planet.

Meeting national targets on cutting carbon emissions to combat climate change is a priority for Oldham Council.

And as part of the commitment, council staff can volunteer to become eco-champions and help support these goals.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: “The eco-champion scheme enables staff to take an active part in helping the council cut energy costs.

“This could be through raising awareness with co-workers, ensuring that efficient practices are in place such as making sure computers and lights are turned off at the end of the day.

“These may seem like small things but if you consider the number of staff and the buildings occupied by the council, one computer here and there soon add up to thousands and a lot of wasted energy and needlessly produced carbon emissions.

“Climate change can seem like a problem that affects others. This is not the case and I would like to make it perfectly clear that the actions we take have a positive effect and do make a difference.”

Eco champions meet regularly to discuss issues and help to bring in new initiatives as part of the climate change strategy that has been approved by the council, as well as wider environmental schemes.

Achievements to date include the planned removal of stand-alone plastic water coolers from council buildings, better recycling facilities in council offices and a clear policy over all areas of council business in order to help the council achieve its objectives.