Yorkshire schools get carbon fighter

North Yorkshire County Council announced the appointment of Emma Casson at the end of February as it steps up efforts to fight climate change.

Council leader councillor John Weighell elcomed her to the post saying: “We’ve just had one of the mildest winters on record and some pretty unusual weather to cap.

“This should be a wake up call to us all that climate change is happening – and it’s happening on our own doorstep,” he told edie.

“We all have a part to play in curbing this worrying trend and councils must do their bit by championing local solutions to a global problem.

“By appointing a schools carbon reduction officer, we hope to demonstrate that saving energy can also save serious money and present a fun challenge for young and old alike.”

Ms Casson will help schools across the county improve their energy efficiency, cut energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

She also plans to work with students to help them set up Eco Schools groups, to act as monitors, ensuring lights and computers are switched off.

They will also take part in a range of environmental conservation activities.

The move follows studies showing that turning off computers, monitors and unwanted lights at the end of the day can reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 percent.

Earlier this month Councillor Weighell and chief executive John Marsden signed up to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, pledging to work with other councils, businesses and communities across the UK to tackle the causes and effects of a changing climate.

Councillor John Weighell told county residents they too could make changes to combat climate change, such as switching off electrical equipment instead of leaving it on standby.

David Gibbs