Birmingham leads in sustainable construction and renewable energy

Posted by Andrew Marshall

A new committee has been launched in the West Midlands to help combat climate change through measures which may include sustainable construction and renewable energy resources.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Cabinet Committee will help Birmingham City Council with its Climate Change Action Plan, which will outline the city''s responsibilities in making a difference with green issues.

Councillor Paul Tilsely said: ''[The city is] now being recognised as a national and international leader on environmental issues - the committee will give us an even more co-ordinated, strategic and accountable focus to our activities in this field.''

The committee hopes to boost Birmingham''s efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent before 2026, with the main aim of cutting its energy bill, which currently stands at £1.5 billion.

Earlier this month, London came under fire for its failure to keep up with environmental goals after it was revealed that the European Commission had issued a final warning over breaches to air quality control in the capital.