New drive to cut carbon impact of historic buildings
A charity which campaigns to preserve the best of Bath’s past is turning its attention to the future for a new energy initiative.
The Bath Preservation Trust has linked up with experts in Bristol for Low Carbon Bath, which aims to show how work can be done in historic buildings in the city to cut carbon emissions.
The project, supported by Bath and North East Somerset Council, highlights the fact that half of Britain’s carbon emissions come from buildings.
The local authority has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2014, while there is a national goal to bring down emissions by 80 per cent by the year 2050.
Low Carbon Bath, which involves the Centre for Sustainable Energy, also aims to draw on the knowledge, experience and ideas of people in the city with a series of consultation events starting this month.
Trust chief executive Caroline Kay said it was an important project: “The people of Bath are rightly proud of its remarkable architectural heritage. But, as we strive to protect this heritage, we cannot turn a blind eye to the changing world around us – a world in which climate change is an unavoidable reality. This project is a great opportunity to confront this reality and identify how we can reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing the qualities of the city that we love.”
Anyone interested in attending one of the events, should email admin@bptrust.org.uk.
An open public meeting will be held on Wednesday October 27 at 6.30pm at the St Swithins Church in The Paragon.
5 Comments
by JM, Bath
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 8:30AM
“PJ... that is under the Traffic management Act 2004 and I believe it is section 16.
It could also be applied to the Culverhay closure which will see a whole community of boys forced to travel across town to school where they currently walk or cycle. What will that do to the old carbon footprint?”
by Gary P, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 6:37PM
“PJ - No-one mentioned legislation, binding or otherwise. But you might want to make note of other B&NES comments and commitments on this website and elsewhere in respect of carbon emissions and their ideas on contributions to the fight against global climate change.”
by PJ, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 6:20PM
“JM. You mention the duty of care B&NES has to reduce congestion? Where is this legislation to be found? I'd be interested in a comment from B&NES on this legislation?”
by Bill, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 9:23AM
“JM - Nail on the head concerning the duty of care to mitigate congestion.
I think another question must also be answered... Apart from Cllr Gazzard, who at least has made his unsupportable views clear, just who is responsible that currently hides behind a cloak of collective council anonymity?”
by JM, Bath
Monday, September 06 2010, 9:07AM
“Apologies in advance if this now goes on twice - the website is having a funny five minutes!
Bath Preservation Trust should be very concerned at the effect achieved by re-routing everything away from Pulteney Bridge (buses started yesterday). By taking out a river crossing the carbon impact of NOT using this particular historic building (structurally sound) will have a major impact by increasing journey times and distances and making everyone travel around in great big loops. This does not gel with the council's duty of care to mitigate congestion as other routes will now get much worse, so how does it make sense on any level?”