Energy campaigners welcome Mark Hunter's support for climate change bill

12.12.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Mark supports sustainable energy

A broad coalition of organisations have welcomed local MP, Mark Hunter's support in Parliament for a Bill to reduce carbon emissions from offices.

The MP for Cheadle is one of nearly 200 MPs who have signed a Commons Motion (EDM 2378) supporting the Climate Change (Commercial and Public Services Sector) Bill.

This sector has the fastest growing energy use apart from aviation. With the proliferation of computers and other electronics, its use of electricity, which has a particularly high carbon footprint, is projected to increase by nearly 45% from 1990 to 2020.

The Bill will set legally binding targets for reducing energy usage in the commercial sector and further targets for energy production from renewable sources, Combined Heat and Power and microregeneration.

It was formally introduced on 5th July and is supported by senior MPs from all major parties.

Mark said, "There is an urgent need for all of us to cut carbon emissions. This is precisely we need this kind of legislation to meet ambitious targets to cut those emissions and, ultimately, to protect the planet."

Andrew Warren, Chair of the Sustainable Energy Partnership said, "Mark Hunter is to be congratulated for supporting this important BIll in Parliament. It will be good for industry and good for the environment."