60% Energy Reduction by 2025

10.25.00pm GMT Wed 8th Mar 2006

60% Cuts Called For by 2025

I attended a briefing and seminar for councillors on the work of CRed at the UEA tonight. CRed is the Carbon Reduction Project. The challenge that they have identified is to build a community with the ambition of reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025.

Changes in the way we generate the electricity and energy that we use is part of that, but the key to achieving the 60% reduction is to change our attitudes towards energy usage. By working together at a local level, we can achieve real cuts in our energy consumption which in turn will reduce our Carbon Dioxide emissions.

The energy that the average person uses would fill 5 hot air balloons a year - 9 tonnes. A 60% reduction in use means we should be aiming to use 2 hot air balloons each. CRed highlight this in their literature, which includes a graphic of 5 balloons on nearly every page.

We learnt how CRed is working with local businesses, schools and councils to build a community aiming to reduce its energy use. Initiatives such as pledges (which individuals can sign up to at www.cred-uk.org) and 'Switch Off' days encourage individuals to think how their behaviour can make a difference.

Energy reduction will be achieved through the determination and will of local communities, and councils have a key role to play. The challenge is great, but last night gave me reason to feel that it is a CRedible challenge.