Stroud district is the 'greenest' in the UK

4th April 2001
Stroud District Council is reducing its Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by 50% making it one of the most 'climate-friendly' districts in the UK. Almost all the council's electricity is now derived from sustainable sources supplied by local 'green' electricity company, Ecotricity.

Ecotricity's mission is environmental improvement, specifically combating climate change, by stimulating a mass market for electricity generated from sources which are less polluting and more sustainable, such as hydro, wind, sewage and landfill gas. By moving to Ecotricity the council is saving the environment over 1071 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions every year.

Ecotricity has been supplying the council's offices at Ebley Mill since 1997 when SDC set itself the target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2002. In switching another 92 sites to Ecotricity, including sheltered housing facilities and the Brunel Shopping Mall, the council will exceed its original target by 20% one year earlier than planned. Ninety five per cent of the electricity supply for council buildings across the district is now 'green'.

Dale Vince, Managing Director of Ecotricity commented on his latest customer, "The introduction of the new electricity trading arrangements (NETA) last week, means that we can now supply all our local customers, including Stroud District Council, with electricity generated locally from our wind turbine."

Cllr Doug Booth, Stroud District Council's cabinet member for the Environment, commented, "We hope our commitment to use renewable energy sources will encourage other local authorities and businesses to follow suit and demonstrate our determination to continue improving the environment".