Islington Council’s revolutionary efforts to protect the environment have been recognised as the best in Britain at a prestigious local government awards ceremony.
The council scooped the Energy Efficiency Achievement of the Year prize at last week’s 2009 MJ Achievement Awards.
Judges gave Islington the nod for its pioneering and extensive programmes aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the borough.
Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said:
“We make every effort to remain at the forefront of environmentally-friendly policy and programmes so it’s wonderful to be recognised for doing so.
“There are numerous people who contribute to our innovative energy-efficient schemes and I thank them all for their superb efforts.”
Islington has long set the benchmark among local authorities for its environmental sustainability schemes.
In fact, the borough was the first to include a carbon dioxide reduction target in its Local Area Agreement – a move other authorities have now adopted.
The council’s numerous climate change initiatives, including the Islington Climate Change Partnership, Climate Change Fund, Carbon Management Plan, Green Liaison Officers and Green Living Centre, are all used as best-practice case studies.
Islington Council’s Director of Environment and Regeneration, Kevin O’Leary, said: “The MJ Award is a credit not only to our energy team but also to council staff and partners.
“Together we have significantly reduced both energy usage and harmful carbon emissions in our council buildings, Homes for Islington estates, schools and leisure centres.
“Above all, it is a mark of this council's commitment to tackling the causes of climate change.”
ends
Page Last Updated: 30 June 2009