Lib Dems propose Renewable Energy Zones

7.59.43pm GMT Sun 19th Feb 2006

Sunaina Kumar and Andrew Dakers outside eco-pioneer Gunnersbury school where they are generating some of their electricity from solar power

Hounslow Liberal Democrats are proposing immediate action to address climate change and uncertain fuel supplies through the creation of exemplar Renewable Energy Zones across the Borough.

Liberal Democrat Campaigner, Sunaina Kumar, said:

"We want to see residents groups and community associations invited to request advance planning approval for micro-power generation on entire streets, thus creating 'Renewable Energy Zones'. Together with grants that are already available, this will significantly reduce the cost for home owners wanting to install solar panels and wind turbines on their homes.

"At present renewable energy installation on private homes requires planning permission to be sought. This adds to the complexity and cost for homeowners. It is also probably a significant reason why there are only three renewable energy case studies mentioned on the Council's website for the whole of Hounslow."

Andrew Dakers, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Brentford & Isleworth, said:

"Renewable Energy Zones are the first part of a comprehensive range of measures we will be announcing in the next few months to ensure Hounslow does its bit to address climate change.

"The recently released SEI study of Hounslow's 'Ecological Footprint' shows that if everyone in the world were to live like the average Hounslow resident we would need three planets to provide all the resources and absorb all the waste.

"Ensuring that thousands of homes in Hounslow rapidly start introducing solar, wind turbines and biomass technology would give our community global recognition. Climate change must become a priority now, not when it is too late."

Related Links:

The Ecological Footprint of Hounslow (2006)

Renewable Energy Case Studies in Hounslow

National CO2 data (2004 data - released Jan 06)

Local CO2 data (2003 data - released Oct 05)