Council pledges to become 'green'

A county council has made a New Year's resolution to reduce its carbon footprint and help the environment.

Leicestershire County Council has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by buying "green" electricity from renewable sources and saving power.

The council also said it would try to make sure all new buildings were more energy efficient.

All three parties on the council have supported the signing of the Nottingham Declaration on climate change.

'Action plan'

Carbon dioxide emissions, together with other greenhouse gases, build up in the atmosphere and change the climate, triggering increased numbers of storms, flooding and rising

Council leader David Parsons said: "The county council has a responsibility to demonstrate leadership on this key issue.

"We will work with our partners to agree a climate change strategy action plan that will provide leadership for Leicestershire.

"I have resolved to make sure the spirit of the declaration is followed whenever I can," he said.