Can we see the light?

MORE than 21 million lo-energy lightbulbs would have to be installed in Oldham to make sure the borough meets its carbon reduction target.

By 2015 Oldham needs to reduce emissions of CO2 by 180,000 tonnes if it is to achieve the council’s 15 per cent reduction target.

To save 100,000 tonnes alone would need 12 million low-energy light bulbs, or cavity wall insulation in 175,000 homes, top-up loft insulation in 385,000 houses, or new gas boilers in 140,000 homes.

But a report to councillors today warns that with only 89,000 occupied homes in the borough, one sector alone cannot tackle the problems of climate change and everybody has a part to play.

The staggering figures will be given to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee tonight when they are asked for comments on Oldham’s Climate Change Plan.

Councillors, council staff, regional partners and Oldham Partnership Steering Group have been meeting over the past 12 months to draw up the plan, helped by the Association for Sustainable Change. Schools, transport, energy suppliers, regional councils, businesses, fire and police services among others will also be asked to take action. Council steps to tackle carbon emissions will be taken by the affordable warmth team, housing, strategic planning, transport, pollution control, building control, waste and recycling, parks and countryside and buying departments.

Partners will also address the issues and there will be support from the Association Greater Manchester Authorities, looking at best practice in Europe. The plan will go to cabinet on November 24 for final approval.

In their foreword to the document, council leader Councillor Howard Sykes and Nick Brown, chairman of the Oldham Partnership, say: “Oldham’s history is based on the industrial revolution of past centuries and collectively we have contributed to the increase in greenhouse gases that are now in the atmosphere.

“Oldham now has the opportunity to take up the challenge of managing and minimising greenhouse gas emissions from our day to day activities.”