Wrexham has smallest carbon footprint in North Wales

8.00.00am GMT Mon 7th Dec 2009

Climate change scientist Dr Tom Rippeth

A survey published by the BBC [1] shows that Wrexham has the lowest carbon footprint in North Wales.

The survey of all 646 parliamentary constituencies in the UK shows the Wrexham and Clwyd South constituencies where low down the list (nos.

507 and 491 consecutively) with average household carbon dioxide emissions of 20 tonnes per year.

These compare to top ranking constituencies such as Chesham and Amersham and David Cameron's Witney constituency, where the household figure is 30 tonnes per year.

Commenting on the survey results climate scientist and perspective Lib Dem for Wrexham Dr Tom Rippeth said: "These results once again show that Wrexham is leading the way in North Wales, on the environment. Whilst there is still much to done, this is a good start."

Dr Rippeth also paid tribute to the environmental leadership of the council led by Aled Roberts.

"Over the past 4 years we have seem a big change in political will at the town hall. This has brought about the introduction in curbside recycling for over 80% of local house and a big reduction in the amount of rubbish being sent to landfill sites [2].

"The council are now prioritizing the reduction of carbon emissions and energy use, optimizing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy where possible across the borough."

Whilst Wrexham scores well in the UK its carbon footprint is high against the developing world. In China annual emissions per household are 6 tonnes and in India 1.5 tonnes.

Editors Notes:

[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8393081.stm

[2] Under the previous Labour administration 97% of waste was sent to landfill. That figure is now 62.6% and continues to drop.