Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment, applauds the initiative taken by British Gas as they launch their ‘Green Streets’ challenge today.

The scheme will see British Gas award £30,000 to eight streets across the UK, including Cardiff, as part of a challenge to reduce domestic carbon emissions. Energy saving equipment from energy efficient light bulbs to solar panels will be given to houses and those that lower their emissions the most will be awarded £50,000 of energy saving equipment for a local community project.

Commenting on the scheme Mick said:

“The battle against climate change starts at home and in our local communities. The current consensus on climate change shows people do care about the environment but they need more support to take real action on this issue.

“People must be encouraged to use microgeneration technologies in their homes as well as increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy use. I applaud this initiative launched by British Gas today but we need our Plaid-Labour Government to wake up and take similar initiative. I would like to see this scheme supported across our local communities in Wales so that we can achieve real results.

“Domestic carbon emissions in Wales account for nearly 30% of all emissions – there is a clear challenge here to reduce our carbon emissions if we are to move forward towards a more sustainable future.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to tackling climate change. We want to establish ‘Climate Connect’ as a one-stop shop where people from individual households or communities can go for advice, grants and loans with a view to generating their own renewable energy.

“I believe in the saying that ‘small is beautiful’ – we must support local action in our homes across Wales to help people reduce their carbon footprint and put power back in the hands of communities.”


End / Diwedd