Here's a press release about fellow Green councillor...
Stroud
District Green Party is celebrating with Green Cllr Simon Pickering (cllr for
Slade Ward), who has just been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award, one of
the prestigious Councillor Achievement Awards sponsored annually by the Local
Government Information Unit.
A staunch advocate of sustainability measures over
many years, Cllr Pickering became Executive Member for the Environment
following the elections in May 2012. He lost no time in putting forward
well-constructed practical proposals to invest £½m in carbon reduction
measures. Most significant of these is a hydro-generation scheme at Ebley Mill
within the next 2 years, which will reduce the Council’s energy bills and bring
an income of £30,000 p.a. A technically complex scheme, it will also
provide a template for other mill owners in the 5 valleys to develop hydro
schemes in the future.
">Cllr Pickering achieved agreement for SDC to invest
£12m on renewable energy heating systems (air source heat pumps and solar
panels) in its own housing stock. This will be targeted on council houses
with the lowest efficiency ratings and will bring over 1000 households out of
fuel poverty by halving their fuel bills. It will reduce CO2 by 50%,
create numerous local jobs and bring £7m+ income to the Council over the next
10 years, reducing the need for increases in Council Tax rates.
In addition, Cllr Pickering took on responsibility
for the implementation of the new District-wide recycling scheme which, in
spite of some initial teething problems, has been a great success. It has
increased dry recycling by nearly 50%, created new jobs and is saving SDC £100
per extra tonne recycled (total savings of £450k p.a. for SDC).
Cllr Pickering also practises what he preaches on
carbon reduction as he cycles to every council meeting and around his ward.
Cllr Pickering said:“I am delighted to be shortlisted for this award.
Since becoming part of the Administration at Ebley Mill, Green councillors have
put forward a number of measures to enhance sustainability in the District and
we have been supported by our Labour and Lib Dem colleagues in moving these
forward. Being shortlisted for the Sustainability Award recognises these
achievements.
The national winners of the Councillors’ Awards
will be announced in late February.
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