Barnsley Council has been granted the Carbon Trust Standard mark of excellence for its recent efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The award, given to companies and authorities with a proven track record of reducing their carbon footprint, comes after the council reduced its emissions by more than 10% over the past four years.
This has been achieved through an investment in efficient lighting technology in both council-owned buildings and street lighting, as well as the use of electric vehicles where possible.
The local authority also partnered with British Gas, Gen Community and Social Finance to install solar PV systems on buildings and council-owned dwellings to generate its own electricity, and an energy and water data officer has been appointed by the council to monitor and reduce its consumption.
Speaking of the award, councillor Robin Franklin said: “It’s great recognition of the hard work we’ve put into our carbon saving initiatives and demonstrates our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment year on year.
“We look forward to continuing on our mission to keep reducing our carbon footprint over the next two years and we’re already taking steps to achieve this.”
