A community partnership led by Islington Council has successfully reduced carbon emissions in a local regeneration area.<br><br>The Islington Carbon Assessment and Reduction in Regeneration Areas (CARRA) project has achieved its target of reducing carbon emissions by 2% in the EC1 New Deal area in the south of the borough between 2002 and 2004. A further reduction of 4.06% is predicted for 2005.<br><br>The project’s soon-to-be-released report will show how a 2.01% reduction in CO2 levels was achieved through five community action projects, which aimed to raise awareness of climate change and energy efficiency issues.<br><br>The CARRA project was one of eight UK projects funded by the EC LIFE Environment Fund for 2002. The project also received EC1 New Deal funding through the Government’s national New Deal for Communities programme.<br><br>There were five action areas to the project. Local volunteers acted as Energy Ambassadors to raise awareness of energy efficiency in their area, while a project in Roscoe Street Towers focused on refurbishment of social housing blocks and raising residents’ awareness about how to save energy and reduce their bills. London Metropolitan University surveyed the residents throughout the project to measure how concerned they were with environmental issues and how they prioritise them in their lives. <br><br>In schools, a program was developed to educate students on reducing energy use and a campaign ran focusing on sustainable ways to travel to school. Local businesses were also targeted and were offered an energy audit and advice on how to be more energy efficient.<br><br>Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive Member for Sustainability praised the achievements of the project: "CARRA's success shows that local people can make a difference to a global issue. <br><br>Much of the carbon dioxide emitted in London comes from energy we use in the home - so by raising awareness of energy saving issues - everyone can take positive action on important issues such as climate change.”<br><br>Islington’s partners in the project included London Metropolitan University, the Peabody Trust (Roscoe Street Towers), and the North West London Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC).
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009