Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is calling on residents and businesses to use 10:10:10, the 10:10 campaign action day on Sunday 10 October 2010, to take positive action to cut their carbon emissions.

Across the world, thousands of people will take simple steps to reduce their emissions, cutting carbon and sending a powerful message to world leaders that people everywhere are ready to tackle climate change.

Amongst the global events planned for the day in 140 countries are sumo wrestlers cycling to training in Japan; 10,000 schools planting trees in Croatia and Russia; a carbon-cutting telethon on national TV in the Netherlands; and the president of the Maldives installing solar panels on his roof.

Cllr Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said:

“The Council is encouraging people to mark 10:10:10 on Sunday by a simple action such as walking instead of driving, taking some steps to making your home more energy efficient, or maybe something more ambitious.

“You could also use the day to mark the start of your change of approach to energy use to cut carbon emissions in your home or at work. For ideas on how your family or business can take action to cut your emissions and save energy and money see the 10:10 website http://www.1010global.org/uk.”

Take a few minutes to do a home energy check by answering some simple questions at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk and get a free impartial report that could save you as much as £300 a year on your energy bills.

Or you could use 10:10:10 to start lift sharing to and from school or work or start cycling instead of using the car.

Cllr Ellacott continued:

“As a member of the 10:10 campaign, the Council is doing its bit too and has an action plan in place to help us achieve the target of 10 per cent cut in carbon emissions by the end of 2010.

“Last year (to March 2010) the Council’s energy improvements saved £80,000 and 140 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That was even before we joined 10:10 or adopted our Carbon Management Plan.”

In November, the Council’s Executive is to consider a proposal for solar panels at its Earlswood depot to take advantage of the opportunities that the feed-in tariff offers. This follows the successful installation of solar panels at the Woodhatch Community Centre in September, contributing further to our carbon reduction targets.

Other projects from the Council’s 10:10 programme that have been successfully been completed include the installation of more efficient lighting in Clarendon Road car park, Redhill, reducing energy use by 65 per cent and saving over £5,000 per year. The new lamps are also brighter and last three times longer than the ones they replaced. New infa-red CCTV cameras at Park Farm Depot, Banstead mean that the depot’s night time floodlights can be switched off, saving energy and around £1,000 per year.

For more information on energy saving and what the Council is doing to save energy visit the Council’s website www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk. A few ideas are given below:

  • Insulating your home is an easy way to cut carbon emissions that will save you money on your bills. Installing loft insulation costs around £149 and can shave up to £145 every year off your energy bills. Cavity wall insulation costs the same and can save £110 every year. Call Freephone 0800 111 4968 for a free survey, more information and to find out about the grants available towards this work.
  • Now is also a really good time to consider investing in solar panels. They are now much more cost effective because energy companies will pay you for any electricity that is generated – known as the feed-in tariff. You can earn a substantial profit over the life of the panels, as well as getting the benefit of a clean, green renewable energy source. Act now to make sure you don’t miss out, as the income reduces if you join in later.
  • Install an energy monitor at home so you can see how much energy you are using and involve the whole family in energy saving. If you’ve already signed up to 10:10 it is a great time to work out how much money you’ve saved on your energy bills and treat yourself with the proceeds.