Lambeth signs up to Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change

Lambeth Council has unanimously agreed to become a signatory of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.

Lambeth joins more than 70 other local authorities in recognising that climate change will have a major impact on the borough this century and will have far reaching effects on the UK economy, society and environment.

The council has sealed its commitment to working with central government to contribute, locally, to the delivery of the UK Climate Change Programme.

It can now build on its award-winning work on sustainability issues – most recently acknowledged with a London boroughs’ Green Champion Award for Environmental Best Practice.

We have already shown that we can make a difference with:

• The sustainable refurbishment of Angell Town Estate, to the north of Brixton town centre, where the energy efficient refurbishment of Holles House has reduced resident’s fuel bills by 50 per cent. Eighteen new homes at Boatemah Walk, built with sustainble timber, also benefit from very low fuel bills, have a solar powered roof, providing clean electricity to the building. Rainwater is collected to water the gardens and flush WCs, and environmentally friendly materials were used throughout the project.
• All council purchasing is done only through preferred suppliers, which ensures that environmental policies are implemented. Only 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper, remanufactured toner cartridges and Fairtrade tea and coffee may be purchased.
• A Workplace Travel Plan was drawn up to encourage council staff to walk, cycle or take public transport when travelling to, from and during work. The council also encourages schools and business to follow suit.
• Lambeth’s housing department delivered a UK first with the largest green roofing refurbishment project in the UK at the Ethelred estate where ten high rise blocks have new living ‘sedum’ roofs. These last longer, help reduce pollution and storm water run off and provide more greenery for wildlife in an urban setting.

By signing the declaration, Lambeth Council declares its intention to work with local communities, businesses and service providers throughout 2006, to develop a plan that will address the causes and effects of climate change and provide us with realistic and achievable targets.

Cllr. Clare Whelan, executive member for environment, comments, "When I proposed this motion I was aware that this could be one of the most important decisions we could ever take, not only for Lambeth residents and the world, but also for our children, their children, and for many generations to come. That is why I was so delighted to win all party support for my call."

Cllr. Peter Truesdale, Lambeth Council leader, stated, "Lambeth is taking the earth's future seriously."

Leader of the Opposition Cllr. Steve Reed said, "Our hopes for the future mean nothing if we don't protect our planet first. With rising sea levels, hurricanes and tidal waves apparently resulting from climate change, we must all do more to support initiatives like renewal energy sources and cutting back dangerous greenhouse gases."

"Residents across Lambeth have made it clear they expect the council to do what it can to support the environment. I'm delighted that all parties have come together and committed to work together against climate change."