Merton 'embraces green improvements'

Merton is now a cleaner, greener location to live in thanks to the implementation of the Wandle Valley Low Carbon Zone (LCZ).

As a result of the initiative, there will be less carbon dioxide created, energy bills are to be reduced and it will become a more environmentally-friendly location. Anyone looking for property to rent in Merton may be buoyed by the green improvements made in the borough.

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration at Merton, stated: "It's been very rewarding to see how enthusiastically our residents have responded to being part of the LCZ and how people from all walks of life have got involved."

He added the knowledge acquired from rolling out this scheme will prove invaluable in the future for other plans. In order to celebrate the success of the programme, 100 people from all parts of the community were brought together for a special event held on March 17th.

Merton Council is dedicated to pursuing energy-efficient measures as it seeks to reduce its reliance on other forms of power. Six council-owned buildings have had solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on them in an effort to reduce on-site energy costs.

Mr Judge remarked: "We are very pleased to have these new panels creating renewable energy and reducing our impact on the environment - this is a vital part of our climate change policy."

He went on to note the panels will offer a guaranteed income stream for the borough for the next 25 years and that money will then be reinvested improving other buildings throughout the area.

Under the terms of the government's Feed in Tariff system, the local authority will be able to sell any additional electricity it generates back to the National Grid - it has made over £8,000 already this year. According to the council, 379 household fridge-freezers could be powered annually by the solar PV panels.

Posted by Ben Carter

Published 22nd May, 2012

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