A?TWELVE-POINT action plan has been drawn up by Winchester City Council to cut the authority’s carbon footprint.

In the wake of the Paris Climate Conference last month, the council approved the strategy for a Lower Carbon Winchester.

Commitments have been made to review the mileage travelled by refuse collection lorries, to buy the most energy-efficient equipment and fittings for council buildings, and to ensure new contracts for public transport, such as buses, require emissions to be reduced. Electric cars (pictured) are already used by some staff.

The council has also promised to reduce the carbon footprint of its proposed leisure facility to make it as close to zero as financially and technically possible.

Wherever possible, solar panels will be installed, as well as the introduction of renewable energy initiatives, including solar and hydropower in council-owned or community projects. Organisations, both public and commercial, will be encouraged to work towards this green goal too, and to report on progress. The council’s portfolio holder for environment, health and wellbeing Cllr Frank Pearson said:?“The Winchester district needs to do its share to meet the UK and global targets, and at the city council we are determined to play our part.”