Richard leads fight to save the planet!

6:00am Tuesday 13th May 2008

A Bradford Council expert has been asked to help the Government tackle climate change after the success of a Bradford project to reduce carbon emissions.

Richard Isaac, of the Council's environmental policy unit, represented the Council at an inquiry into climate change and the urban built environment by the All Party Urban Development Group yesterday.

He had been asked to take part to look into what cities can do to reduce the carbon emissions of commercial buildings after setting up a pioneering project at the Kirkgate Shopping Centre.

The Council was the only local authority to take part, along with representatives from the London Climate Change Agency, the Carbon Trust and the John Lewis Partnership.

He presented 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 shared the experience of working with the Kirkgate Shopping Centre and the Council's markets service last year on a scheme to increase recycling, reduce energy and water use and manage waste at the centre better.

The scheme received an award for Environmental Innovation from DEFRA and the Institute of Environ-mental 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."

The oral evidence session of the inquiry took place on Monday afternoon in the Houses of Parliament.

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