Bath and North East Council has won a national seal of approval from the Government for its efforts in reducing its carbon footprint, according to reports from news site thisissomerset.co.uk [15.09.09].The accolade was given by David Kidney, the Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department on Energy and Climate Change, at a national conference hosted by the Carbon Trust.He presented the council with a certificate recognising its extensive plans to help achieve its aim of reducing carbon emissions by 30 per cent over the next five years.Earlier this year the council developed a Carbon Management Plan with a £42,000 budget to put the first batch of projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in place.The council has already made a positive start using the latest voltage optimisation technology to reduce energy consumption in some of their buildings.Key projects for the current financial year include an energy champion scheme, helping council staff to save energy at work and home and saving up to five per cent of carbon emissions annually.Cabinet member with responsibility for climate change, Cllr Charles Gerrish said there was real momentum building up behind the efforts to reduce carbon footprint.”The council is building the foundations upon which it can play a full and active part in a leadership role to reduce carbon emissions across the district.”"The council’s creation of the proposed Environmental Sustainability Partnership broadens our approach to engage with the wider community.”Great to see that green efforts are being given the recognition they deserve.?