This is a local policy statement, produced by Trafford Green Party. It reflects national Green Party policy on energy and sets specific targets for local action in Trafford.
If we are to work towards making Trafford a Carbon Neutral Council we need to carefully monitor where our energy comes from – it must be from renewable sources and locally produced where possible.
Trafford Council needs an Energy Policy that makes renewables our first choice and sites, partners and funding for renewable projects should be actively pursued.
Energy conservation will also be very important.
Ensure that renewable sources of energy are promoted and supported as widely as possible.
Continue our opposition to Nuclear power as a highly dangerous and expensive form of power generation.
Provide assistance and support for planning applications involving home or commercial renewable energy generation.
Provide free energy audits and efficiency packages for all households.
Start a programme of free home insulation to upgrade the efficiency of housing across Trafford.
Work with social landlords to improve energy efficiency of social housing.
Raise public awareness about the urgent need to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and the many ways of doing this.
Employ a full-time Energy Conservation Officer to implement ways for the Council to save energy in all its amenities, and to develop new low energy methods. The officer would also advise homeowners of ways of maximising their energy security whilst lowering household costs.
Ensure that energy efficiency is built into all new buildings. We should aim to be "zero-carbon" and ensure that old buildings being regenerated integrate best energy saving practices, and that all homes have full insulation. There is inadequate government regulation and support in this area, Greens will lobby for the Council to "do much better" than the planning and regulatory minimum.
Support and encourage micro-generation energy schemes in which residents can generate electricity by domestic wind turbines, solar water heating and solar electricity generation. Provide information to the public on how to make use of available renewable energy technologies and obtain grants.
Scrutinise all Council decisions for their CO2 impact.
Ensure all council power demand is met from a renewable energy tariff or local renewable sources.
