North Lanarkshire Council has announced a new policy for the reduction of its energy and water consumption in operational buildings by 3% each year.

The new Energy Policy was produced in response to the Council's declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, and it will contribute to its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

In 2019/20 67% of the council's carbon emissions resulted from use of buildings, streetlighting and domestic landlord supplies so the new policy will focus on good management of energy and water in properties used by all services, including education, leisure, transport, culture and administration.

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Among the actions to be taken are to increase the use of low or zero carbon renewable technologies such as solar, wind and heat pumps and reducing the use of fossil fuels. All new buildings will generate at least 10% of their energy needs from on-site renewable energy equipment, like solar panels.

Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee, said: "With the worldwide focus on tackling climate change at the recent COP26 event in Glasgow, this new policy is a positive example of how the council is taking steps to change the way it operates and embrace new technology for good.

"Every organisation has a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint, and we will be working with staff to implement changes to reduce energy consumption in our buildings, and we will ensure the work of contractors also meets our standards.

"The policy is supported by investment of £8 million by the council to reduce carbon emissions across our estate."